Almost every community I know has a local history group on Facebook. For me, it’s Lost Muncie. Over the past fifteen years, nearly fifty thousand people have shared memories, photos, and stories of our hometown there! When the group’s creators and admins announced they’d be stepping down and archiving it, my friend and fellow Delaware County Historical Society board member Zac Bow and I knew we had to keep the spirit of Lost Muncie alive. Last night, we launched Lost Muncie II. We hope it becomes a new space for sharing, researching, and connecting with our community’s history.
Facebook groups like Lost Muncie are powerful tools for preserving and celebrating community heritage. They bring people of all ages together to share memories, photos, and details that might otherwise fade away. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about my hometown thanks to Lost Muncie. I first discovered it back in when it was hosted on Yahoo (or was it Geocities?), followed it to our local newspaper’s forums, and then found it on Facebook, where it’s thrived ever since.
For many of us, Lost Muncie is more than just a Facebook page. It’s a connection to our roots and a window into our shared history. I’ve contributed a lot over the past twelve or thirteen years, not just by reading and absorption, but by actively sharing stories, photos, and links to what I write here. Watching it grow to its current 47,895 members has been incredible! Lost Muncie has become a true gathering place for the community.
Unfortunately, moderating such a popular group is no easy task. Admins Larry Broadwater and Jeff Koenker spent thousands of hours keeping Lost Muncie running smoothly over the years. Recently, they began to plan the best way to bring their creation to a close. After the news broke that the group would be frozen in time, I was saddened if not entirely surprised. I’ve known Jeff for years and even succeeded him on the historical society board. We’re fortunate that Lost Muncie‘s extensive archives will remain, but new posts will no longer be allowed.
Now, we face the challenge of continuing Lost Muncie‘s legacy. Early on, Larry and Jeff decided against ceding control when they sought to step away. With Jeff’s blessing, though, Zac and I are excited to take on the responsibility and carry the torch under the banner of Lost Muncie II. My hope is that it will grow into a community just as vibrant, engaging, and educational as its predecessor.
In a world where so much is fast-paced and future-focused, groups like the original Lost Muncie and Lost Muncie II serve as places of reflection. We can relive memories from our childhoods, gain insight into our ancestors’ lives, or discover hidden histories of the places we pass. By sharing stories, photos, or research regarding the history of Delaware County, our goal is to keep Lost Muncie‘s spirit of discovery and connection alive.
Lost Muncie II may be a new chapter, but it’s one that continues the tradition of honoring our past. If you’re on Facebook and harbor an interest in the history of Muncie and Delaware County, I’d love for you to stop by.
