Dean McMillen, left, and Carl Jones, both of Evans City, look over a display during a recent open house at the Evans City Historical Society's museum in the rear of the Evans City Library on Jack Street. The museum formerly was housed in the borough building on Wahl Avenue.

EVANS CITY — Since its founding, the borough's historical society has wanted to open its museum in the same building as the borough's library.

After 20 years of waiting in its previous home on Wahl Avenue, the library offshoot has finally accomplished that goal.

Last Monday, the Evans City Historical Society held an open house at the museum's new home in the rear of the Jackson Street library.

Randy Pfeifer, society president, said the group completely renovated about 800 square feet of space it now calls home.

Pfeifer said the move was planned before the former borough building was flooded in 2004, when some of its materials were damaged.

Pfeifer said the historical society was founded as an extension of the library, meaning if the group ever dissolved, the library could take over its assets.

"That was a goal when we were founded 20 years ago," he said.

In addition to a renovated facility, Pfeifer said the new location gives the group more exposure.

"The visibility factor is going to be a 100 percent increase,"he said.

Pfeifer said the total cost of the project was between $20,000 and $25,000.

His other goal for the new museum, he said, is to make it more proactive.

Pfeifer said he wants exhibits to show the role Evans City played in history instead of just artifacts and photos from the past.

Because of the increased exposure, Pfeifer said the group — which usually closes its museum during winter months — will open from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays starting Feb. 3.