The Iola Historical Society (IHS) is set to host its first meetings of the year on Monday, Jan. 27, at the Machine Shed, located at 222 Depot Street in Iola.

The evening will feature a nostalgic program showcasing vintage Valentines from the IHS archives, presented by Barb Kobs and Patty Mork. Attendees will have an opportunity to share their own cherished Valentines and reflect on memorable Valentine’s Day traditions.

The evening will begin with a board meeting at 5:30 p.m., followed by the membership meeting at 6:30 p.m. These meetings will focus on planning activities and reviewing upcoming projects for the year. Key items on the agenda include:

Annual activities and projects review – Members will discuss strategies to build on last year’s successes and outline objectives for 2025. Suggestions for community outreach and preservation initiatives are expected to take center stage.

Norway trip deadline reminder – The society will highlight the upcoming Norway trip scheduled for Feb. 3–6. Members will be reminded to finalize their participation before the deadline, ensuring all arrangements are in place for this exciting cultural journey.

Valentine’s Day Program at 7 p.m. – Following the meetings, the highlight of the evening will commence—a showcase of vintage Valentines curated by Barb Kobs and Patty Mork. This program promises to take attendees on a nostalgic journey through the art of heartfelt expression, featuring a display of historical Valentine cards from the society’s archives. Participants are encouraged to bring their cherished “old” Valentine’s Day cards and recollections.

The society will conclude the evening by announcing the next round of Board and Membership Meetings, set to take place on Monday, Feb. 24.