Historical Society Launches Changes
Exciting changes are on the horizon for the McDonald County Historical Society. Volunteers have opted to launch several changes this spring, in the hopes of attracting more attention and more volunteers to their cause.
McDonald County Historical Society president Karen Dobbs said volunteers are conducting a major facelift to the museum, located in the former courthouse on the Pineville Square.
Each exhibit is undergoing a facelift. Though the information and exhibit are staying constant, other details are being changed, she said, to offer a new look.
“Our exhibit team is secretive. It will be a big surprise,” Dobbs said. “All the exhibit information is all there, (but) all exhibits are getting changed a little.”
Technology is involved in the change, she added.
Volunteers also are launching a new exhibit, which will focus on 100 years of history of rural schools.
Additionally, a new greeter will be placed at the door, she said.
To showcase those changes, volunteers also are changing the grand opening date of the museum. Traditionally, the museum has opened for the season on Memorial Day weekend with a flurry of activities. This year, however, volunteers will launch the grand opening on Saturday, May 16, the weekend before Memorial Day weekend.
Officials hope that the change will spark more attraction and bigger audiences to the event, which should have less competition on that date, Dobbs said.
The celebration will still take place in a big way. Music, exhibits, food, speakers and demonstrations will fill the day. Hours are currently set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the special event.
“We were pleased with the turnout on Memorial Day weekend but decided last year to try something a little different,” she said.
Among the highlights will be several mules on hand. Dobbs said volunteers are excited about learning more about the animal that was historically very instrumental in Missouri farming and its history.
As part of an annual fundraiser, volunteers are selling chances on a Doug Hall painting of Shawnee Gap.
Volunteers are displaying the painting at various locations throughout the county. That way, people can see the painting’s beauty and imagine it located in their living or dining rooms, Dobbs said.
“Doug always donates a painting every year,” Dobbs said. “He’s a very good supporter.”
The Doug Hall print will be given away at the museum’s grand opening on May 16.
Tickets are available at several local banks, Rags to Riches Flea Market and Golden Rose Flea Market in Anderson. Tickets are $5 each or five tickets for $20.
Volunteers also are gearing up for the annual banquet, which is the society’s largest annual fundraiser. This year, officials are hosting the banquet on a Friday night, instead of the traditional Saturday night.
This year’s event is set for Friday, April 3, at River Ranch Resort in Noel. The evening will feature live and silent auctions, a meal, entertainment and an open bar. Tickets are $30 each, or eight to a table for $300.
The society also has upped its game on providing a userfriendly way to allow patrons to purchase calendars and memberships, as well as other items, on the society’s website at http://mcdonald countyhistory.org.
Organizing and cataloging artifacts are also taking place, thanks to volunteers from Walmart who help every Friday morning. “They have been a big blessing,” Dobbs said.
For information about any of the events, call the Historical Society at 417-223-7700.