‘Tis the Season . . .
How did it get to be ‘that time of year’ again? I suppose it’s because we’re so busy, but time just evaporates. And we do stay busy. Here’s what’s been going on since the July Newsletter was sent.
By now, those of you who live in Scott City will surely have seen our beautiful new LED sign at the edge of the property. The colors are vibrant and eye-catching and we’ve gotten lots of good comments on how it looks and the information displayed. That project was funded by grants and donations – if you helped with those funds, we thank you!
The Membership Appreciation Day gathering on October 13th was well-attended and the guest speaker, Victoria Mudd, presented an outstanding program on Native American issues, past and present. A special thanks to Roger Winter for the use of his digital projector and all the other tech toys he loaned us (and set up – and took down). And thanks to the Historical Society Board for furnishing refreshments.
Oh, and thanks to each of our members for your continued interest and support. We’ve lost too many faithful, long-time members lately, but have gained some new and active members. Our membership is currently around 230. (A Christmas gift suggestion: Membership in the Scott County Historical Society – an affordable $10 per member or $20 family membership)
We received a grant from the Scott Community Foundation for a high quality laser copier/printer to produce better reproductions of the fine photographs in our collection. We are always happy to provide copies of our vintage photos and do our best to make quality copies. We are grateful to the Foundation for offering the grant program each year, and appreciate being one of the 2012 grant recipients.
The Scott County Arts Council once again held ‘open house’ at the museum on Sunday, Nov. 10th. The work of several local artists is on display in the temporary gallery as a part of the Arts Council recognition of ‘home town’ talent. Work being displayed is by Elaine Allen, Howard King, Alan Thornburg, students from Middle School and High School, and quilts from LindaTilton and Dana Pfanensteil. This exhibit will only be up through Thanksgiving, as we need to begin ‘decking the halls’ for Christmas.
AND NOW . . . WITH SUGAR PLUMS DANCING . . .
The main reason for this newsletter is to let you know that our annual Christmas Open House and Sugar Plum Sale will be held Sunday, Dec. 16th, from 1-4 p.m.
That date is later than in past years, but we feel that the first Sunday in December is just too early to be thinking about cookie and candy gift plates to be delivered to friends and family. We hope this date will work well for everyone.
As always, the museum and galleries will be decorated, holiday music playing, tables full of cookies and candies for your selection, a raffle, and refreshments. We need donations of your special cookies and candies. Please let us know if you can furnish goodies. The theme this year will be “A Cup of Christmas Tea” and the Christmas exhibit will be a collection of teapots and tea services on loan from Tina Walker.
FYI – Ken Burns newest documentary, “The Dust Bowl” will be on PBS (Channel 3) Nov. 18th & 19th, at 7 p.m. The historical society provided two photos for this documentary. (Dust Bowl & Rabbit Drive)
One further note: As we approach the end of the year, we encourage you to remember the Scott County Historical Society in your tax-exempt charitable giving. The Historical Society is the non-profit organization which operates and maintains El Quartelejo Museum and the Jerry Thomas Gallery. This beautiful facility gets lots of TLC, but not much of it is FREE. We can use your help and maybe you can use the tax deduction!
Some of you have not paid dues this year. If you aren’t sure of your membership status, give us a call at 872-5912.
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE & SUGAR PLUM SALE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16TH – 1-4 p.m.