Talk to a member of the Lincoln County Historical and Genealogical Society for a few minutes, and it’s clear their thoughts are often wrapped up in the history of Brookhaven and the surrounding areas.

But with the group’s latest fundraising endeavor, it’s more than just their thoughts.

They can now literally be wrapped up in history and so can you.

Members of the LCHGS are selling picturesque afghans with colorful images of historic buildings seen in downtown Brookhaven. The woven blanket has nine images including the old Lincoln County courthouse and jail, the train depot, the Inez Hotel, Whitworth College, Home Seekers Paradise sign, the Haven, city hall, the McGrath building and the downtown branch of the U.S. post office.

The afghan is $50 and comes in a landscape format, which works well as a bedspread or a decoration on the back of a couch or chair, said president Joe Brown.

“The afghans are beautiful but also can be practical,” he said.

Brown said the blankets can also be a conversation starter.

“For those who live in Lincoln County, it is a way to remember these outstanding landmarks and show others what is so special about out community. Each building has memories each of us can call up on when we were there and what was the occasion,” he said.

The afghans also make great gifts. The society will even ship them anywhere within the United States for a $15 additional fee.

“For those that are buying gifts for family and friends that live out-of-town, it is a way to send a little piece of home to everyone that loves our ‘Home Seekers Paradise,” he said.

Members are hosting the fundraiser to support projects by the non-profit society in its efforts to preserve Brookhaven and Lincoln County’s history, capture family histories for future generations, preserve historical artifacts and sites and educate the community on important historical figures, events, locations and buildings.

“Our funds are used to operate the LCHGS museum located at 227 S. Church Street. All of our docents are volunteers, as well as our maintenance support,” he said. “Our community has been very generous with our major renovations, but the daily operating expense cannot be covered by membership dues alone. The afghans allow us to talk about our history and fundraise at the same time.”

A limited number of blankets were ordered, but if those are purchased, the society can request a second shipment, Brown said.

A sample afghan is on display at the Lincoln County Historical Museum, which is located at the intersection of South Church and West Chicksaw streets in the former Jewish temple. It can be viewed any Tuesday or Thursday during business hours, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Seth Allen is our project manager for the afghan creation,” Brown said. “He went through an extensive collection of Lincoln County memorabilia, many of which are images from old postcards.  You can see some of the images have horse drawn carriages and steam engines. The sign and view down Cherokee Street is a signature picture of our town.”

To reserve an afghan, send a $50 check to the LCHGS at P.O. Box 150, Brookhaven, MS 39601, or drop it by the museum during business hours.

Delivery of the afghans is expected in mid-September.

For more information, call 601-265-2052.