Monday, June 5, 2017

We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest book, Called to the Colors, Ozark County in World War I! Now available for purchase at the Historium or by mail, this book is a collection of letters, photos and stories about the Ozark County men who served in the military during the Great War. The lyrical, poignant, first-hand accounts of their experiences brings to life a time that is now a century in the past. The timing of the book's publication coincides with the 100-year anniversary of the United States' entry into the war.

This beautiful, 106-page book, measuring 8 1/2" x 11" with original cover artwork by local artist Milan Chisam, was written and compiled by Dr. Mary Ruth (Luna) Sparks, whose husband, Mike, is a long-time volunteer at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City. In addition to the many letters written by the men, there are articles about how the home folks supported the war effort with fund-raising and in other ways. Hundreds of Ozark County families were involved, in one way or another.

This book will be a valuable addition to the library of anyone with family ties to Ozark County. It can be purchased for $15 at the Ozark County Historium, or we will mail it for $20.

Monday, January 23, 2017

Happy New Year from the Historium!

Charlotte Taylor
Even though it is early in the new year, we are busy planning many exciting and fun events for the Historium in 2017! We've already gotten a new exhibit of quilts in place, so plan to stop by soon to see Charlotte Taylor's colorful creations, which will be displayed through the end of February. Charlotte hails from Tecumseh and has been making quilts since 1984, about the time she and husband Lynn moved to Ozark County. Although she gives most of her quilts away to veterans and needy children, she has gathered up a group of beautifully varied and lovely quilts of all colors, patterns and sizes. Don't miss seeing these works of art!


Then, in March, we have a special treat -- the unique papier-mâché artwork of David Lakish of Thornfield! David is well known in the area for his paintings, and we've shown some of them in past exhibits. But this is different! If you have children or grandchildren, they will love David's birds, which are NOT ordinary birds. Remember the old children's song, "Four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie...?" Well, David has recreated that song, but with a twist: it's a pizza pie! Yes, this is going to be FUN! Spring Break from area schools will allow families time to come in together during the Historium's hours of operation of 10-2, Monday through Friday. Watch the local newspaper for more details.

The Historium Quilt Group continues to grow and thrive! The next meetings are January 27, February 10 and February 24. If you're interested in making a quilt and enjoy the fellowship of other quilters, this group might just be for you. Stop by and check us out on one of those Fridays, starting at 9:00 a.m. If you want to join, it's free, and we promise it's fun!

Stay tuned for more upcoming events at the Historium. 2017 promises to be a great year, with many more ideas on the back burner. We'll keep you posted!