Research for exhibit leads to programing!
As part of the research process for the new Bootheel Youth Museums exhibit Show-me the Bootheel, an interactive exhibit designed to educate visitors with the history and nature of the region.
The BYM staff reached out to A.J. Hendershot from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Mr. Hendershot has conducted enormous research into the history of the region and recorded firsthand stories from folks across the Bootheel about the Great Swamp and the Little River Drainage Project.
Mr. Hendershot graciously offered to conduct a presentation at the BYM. He brought his knowledge along with a great collection of historic photographs to the BYM and conducted a presentation on Sept 5, 2024.
The theater was filled to capacity with folks who RSVP’d and food was provided for all participants. Extra seating was added the day of the event when additional folks heard about this exciting opportunity to hear about regional history.
Guests enjoyed a wonderful evening of local history, some pulled pork BBQ sandwiches (smoked by Malden Firehouse #1) and great community fellowship. Guests included some folks from Florida who heard about the lecture while visiting family in the area.
BYM staff completed some informal surveys following the event, specifically asking if visitors would be interested in other similar programs and the answer was a resounding YES!
As the museum reflected and evaluated A.J.’s program we began to understand how this event and others like it could help guests reflect on their local history, local stories and how their lives and those of their family and community should be told, saved and shared as a part of America 250 (the U.S. Semi-quincentennial which will be celebrated on July 4, 2026).
The BYM hopes to develop, offer tools, support, digital communication avenues for sharing and saving these local stories as a part of our effort to celebrate America 250.
