BENTON – Board members from the newly organized Marshall County History Museum appeared on WCBL’s Coffee Call program this morning where they asked the community for help in getting the project off the ground. Photos such as the one pictured here are just a small part of the treasure trove of local history held by members of the community.
History Museum Board Members Rachel Vaughn, Wendy Baxter and Claude Nimmo discussed fundraising needs among others as their group works to make the dream of making the history museum a reality. The group has now worked to establish a 501c3 status and can take tax deductible donations.
Vaughn reported that Justin Lamb is serving as President of the board and was initially the person who tried to reignite interest in having a museum. She told listeners this morning that some time ago, a group had attempted to garner support for the project and had even obtained a building, but there was not enough public interest to keep the movement going.
This time around, members say they hope to see the project come to fruition. With a fundraising committee now in place, the group is currently working on creative and new ways to obtain the financial means necessary for the project.
“We know every organization wants to raise money for their cause, so we are working to try to come up with some very creative things where you actually get something for your money,” Baxter said.
With several items already having been donated to the cause, Baxter said she is hopeful a building can be secured in the immediate future. On this morning’s show, another item was generously donated on air by Nimmo himself.
He made the presentation to Vaughn, announcing that a preserved 1800’s era buggy and seat, passed down from the Nanney and Nimmo families, would be transferred to the museum upon the acquisition of a building to allow for proper storage.
Nimmo has worked as a historical records keeper in the county for many years, ensuring that precious memories are preserved. “I would not want this in the hands of an individual who would not know what to do with it,” Nimmo said of the donation which he said he hopes to one day see on display.
“We think there are a lot of people who have historical items and they have no idea what to do with them,” Baxter added. “We need to preserve our history and I think if placed in a museum setting where it is interesting, it could offer a lot to adults and kids alike.”
The group has a Facebook page which they are updating routinely. To see more, visit https://www.facebook.com/marshallcountyhistorymuseum?fref=ts.
To volunteer or donate, contact Justin Lamb or Wendy Baxter at 270-527-4750.