Ozark County Historium reopens after 18-month pandemic closure
Ozark County Historium volunteers, from left, Barbara Luna, Nancy Thomas and Sandra Stone are eager to welcome visitors back to the facility after a forced 18-month closure due to the pandemic. Everyone involved with the historical society is happy that their “home” will once again be a gathering place for anyone interested in Ozark County, genealogy, culture and history, say OCGHS president Jean Allen.
After a hiatus of one and a half years, the Ozark County Historium is once again open. The board of directors, headed by Ozark County Genealogical and Historical Society president Jean Allen, recently made the decision to resume regular hours of operation and events beginning in July. And after such a long break, the decision is truly a welcome one.
“We hated being closed and are excited to once again welcome visitors to the Historium and to begin planning new events and activities” said Jean, “especially since this summer is an important one for those who appreciate Missouri history. It is the bicentennial of Missouri statehood, and we want to celebrate in a big way!”
Volunteers are planning to host an ice cream social from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, in honor of the day when Missouri officially became one of the United States on that same date in 1821. Because the world’s first ice cream cones are traditionally believed to have been served at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, organizations such as the Ozark County Genealogical and Historical Society (owners of the Historium) are encouraged by the state bicentennial committee to unite in serving ice cream on the same day.
Incidentally, the ice cream cone is the official state dessert of Missouri. More information about this family-oriented event will be available as the date nears. In particular, activities for young people are in the planning stage.
Other activities in the planning stages also include the resumption of the popular Historium Tea Party on July 29, programs by popular Missouri speakers, events surrounding Hootin an Hollarin, and participation in the Christmas parade in December. In January 2022, the Historium will host a workshop on Finding Your Ancestors: Genealogy 101, led by Ozark County native Vince Anderson.
Beginning today, Julxy 7, the Historium will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. And, as always, any special activities at the Historium are publicized on the group’s Facebook page and in the Ozark County Times, as well as on the Historium’s website, ozarkcountyhistory.org. For more information, call 417-679-2400 during the hours of operation or email volunteers at ozarkco1@ozarkcountyhistory.org.