Wednesday, January 25, 2023

 Happy New Year! 2023 is well under way, and so are we volunteers at the Historium under way with planning some new events. First up will be:


On Thursday, February 9, at 10:00 a.m., we are hosting JEFF PATRICK, the museum curator at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, for a program about researching one's ancestors who served in the military. There will be a special emphasis on Civil War service, since the Battlefield was the scene of an important battle curing the war between the states. Jeff is very knowledgeable about the resources available and will share tips on what information is available and how to access it. Please plan now to join us for this helpful and informative event. Even if you are not interested in researching your own ancestors, you'll learn about the Civil War in the Ozarks!

Then, PHIL HOWERTON, professor of English with an emphasis on writing, will speak at the Historium on Thursday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. With several books to his credit, Dr. Howerton's most recent project is Wild Muse: Ozarks Nature Poetry. This is a collection of poetry engaging Ozarks nature and environment, with subjects such as nature's beauty, sense of place, loss of place, environmental diminishment, and human dependence on nature. The collection of almost 200 poems includes the works of nine authors.

In addition to reading and discussing some selections from the book, Dr. Howerton will offer a "mini writing workshop" with advice about writing about nature and regional subject matter.  If you're at all  interested in writing, this will be helpful and interesting!


And in April, we'll be hosting the LAYTON HOLLOW GALS, a duo from Springfield who will showcase songs written by the late Johnny Mullins. He was the father of Melinda Mullins (on right); Melinda's mother, Peggy Hawkins Mullins, is an Ozark County native and plans to also attend. Johnny wrote popular songs for some of the biggest stars in country music, including Company's Comin' for Porter Wagoner and Blue Kentucky Girl for Loretta Lynn. You can expect to hear numerous stories about his experiences and also personal recollections by Melinda. Plan to attend on  Friday, April 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. for this unique opportunity!

All of these events are free and open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend! The Ozark County Historium is located on the west side of the square in downtown Gainesville; its regular hours of operation are 10-2, Wednesday through Friday. For more information, call 417-679-2400 or email ozarkco1@ozarkcountyhistory.org.

We hope to make 2023 a memorable and enjoyable year for those who visit the Historium, and we hope to see you there!