Back to the future

‘Homecoming’ raises funds, friends for Rogers museum

Some 60 people gathered Oct. 3 at the elegant Shadow Valley Country Club to step back in time to the glory days of their youth.

The idea behind “Homecoming Revisited” was to “relive those positive homecoming memories with food, fun, libations and music by Chadwick Band,” advertising for the Rogers Historical Museum event promised. “This time you know you have a date!”

“This was the annual event that we have to celebrate the anniversary of the museum,” explained John Burroughs, director of the museum. “The Rogers Museum Foundation … supports the museum in preserving and sharing our local heritage.

“We typically host a special event in downtown each fall but decided to try a different venue this year. One of the foundation’s goals is to assist the museum to increase its visibility in the community as well as to share information about the museum’s expansion. The museum has recognized that its connection to the west side of Rogers is somewhat less than it is closer to the historic downtown area, and we want to build friendships with people throughout Rogers.”

The gala netted about $2,500, Burroughs said.

“It’s great that we raised funds, but our first goal was for outreach and to connect with people who may not have been involved with the museum before attending the event,” he said. “We want to let people in Northwest Arkansas know that we offer something for all visitors. For people who are longtime residents, they can visit to share their memories and see those things that are important to their history. For newcomers, the Rogers Historical Museum is a great place to learn about their new home and build a connection to this great community.”

Participants dined on a barbecue buffet provided by Shadow Valley Country Club and posed for photos taken by Clifton Eoff Photography among hay bales and vintage letter jackets.

“Next year will be the 40th anniversary of the museum,” Burroughs said. “We haven’t finalized a theme, but the event will focus on this anniversary.”

STAFF PHOTOS BECCA MARTIN-BROWN Jaclynn Young, from left, Paul Hively and Christie Young pose at a photo booth provided by Clifton Eoff Photography at Homecoming Revisited.

Gaye Bland, former director of the Rogers Historical Museum, and husband Richard enjoy Homecoming Revisited, a fundraiser and friend-raiser for the museum foundation.