Posted date: Jan 23, 2017
by: Dianna Padgett
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Become a Museum “Friend” for a donation of $30. Friends have free access to the Cheyenne County Family Legacy Files that Marilyn Holzwarth gave to the Historical Society, so that you can research and update your own family’s information. “Friends” will also have free assistance and access to all files and information in the museum.
The museum staff works diligently to plan programs, access donations and grants, update and create exhibits, as well as managing the physical needs of the museum and old church. No one receives a salary. The $30 Friend donation is your way of supporting the activities and needs of the museum and church. It costs money to maintain and add improvements to this facility and to provide high quality programs to the public. At present, Carol and Scott Northrup are curators and researchers. Sandy Smull is secretary and exhibit designer. Glori Milne is trustee and coordinator of “Night at the Museum” programs and the Genealogy class that is forming; Marcia Hickert is trustee and library manager. Helene has been trustee for three years. Lea Keller oversees landscape and legals. Steve Lister is business manager and treasurer. Dianna Padgett helps digitize information and records. We welcome volunteers: at present we need an accessions clerk and assistants in all these departments.
Museum / Church Physical Updates:
The siding on south side of old church was replaced by Finley’s after hailstorm.
A new metal roof was installed on church by Weathercraft.
Bees were smoked from inside west walls of church: 90% were relocated.
High School girls along with Coach Shay Zweygardt constructed the brick path from the old church to the parking lot. Brad Mathis laid out the path and the bricks were provided by the city.
The Historical Society purchased new HVAC units for the church and office/display area of the museum.
Mr. Swihart’s 7th grade Science Class preserved and labeled artifacts under the direction of Dan Busse. That entire exhibit of the History of Cheyenne County was upgraded and new signs were added.
A mural from the Lawn Ridge Club House was rescued by Scott and Carol and hung at the south end of the museum. Ron Wieck installed lighting that shows off the mural.
The Ron Evans exhibit was given a facelift.
We received a grant from the Hansen Foundation to purchase tables and chairs to use for our various activities.
The Marilyn Holzwarth Memorial Fund donated $1500 to be used for technology.
Donations for HVAC: Smull Estate; Jim Hardt for insulation on roof. Will again submit grant request for HVAC in two south display rooms with the assistance of Carol Sloper.
Programs and activities:
A program for elementary school children during Kansas Day week included Kim Zweygardt’s presentation about her grandmother and the “meters” she collected on her farm. Sandy Smull told about life in a soddy and had real bricks from a sod house. Marie Holzwarth talked about country school and showed the model that her neighbor constructed for her. Carol Northrup demonstrated the tough life of a pioneer woman.
Jeff Beims’ history class researched old newspapers at the museum and created an interesting and informative power point CD “WWII on the Homefront”.
In May the Historical Society hosted a memorial service for Marilyn Holzwarth.
During Alumni Weekend the Society again hosted a Brat Feed on museum grounds.
The Historical Society helped serve dinner and breakfast to Bike Across Kansas participants, earning about $700. The group also manned concessions at the High School as a money making project.
In November Cowboy song-writer and author Jim Hoy spoke at the Old Church.
A large crowd attended the first “Night at the Museum” program, which honored veterans. Tables were set up throughout the museum with information about major US military conflicts on each.
In December the festively decorated Old Church was filled with people singing and celebrating the Holiday.
Upcoming Programs for 2017
February 2 at 6:30 pm. Old Country Church: “Sand Creek to Cherry Creek”, a presentation by Park Ranger John Luanius.
March 16 at 6:30 pm at Old Country Church: “Western Cattle Trail” and “Chisolm Trail” presentation and book signing by authors Gary and Margaret Kraisinger.
April 6 at 6:30 presentation by historian Mark Berry.
There will be an on-going Genealogy Class “Discovering Your Roots” scheduled for third Thursdays at 7 pm at the Museum.
Plans are being made for “Happy Days, High School Days” and a brat feed at the Museum during Alumni Weekend.
Stock car history and photos will be the feature program this summer.
