2010 has been an exciting and challenging year for the Scott County Historical Society. We have made many changes, experienced some gains and suffered some losses. Moving the gift shop into our former meeting room caused us to cancel the Ladies Tea last spring and the Ice Cream Social last summer, but we're hoping both of those popular events may somehow be resumed.
The Grand Opening of the Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection was a major event in Scott City in May, and was well attended. Extending our summer hours allowed visitation by many more travelers. Of course extra hours meant hiring more part time staff and finding volunteers to fill those hours. Our members have filled hundreds of volunteer hours since May, and we thank you. More than 40 volunteers, mostly historical society members, helped with the grand opening, and many volunteered for regular shifts through the summer.
Beginning in January we will be closed weekends - just open weekdays from 1-5 p.m. However, we will do special tours on request, if staff is available. Call the museum 620-872-5912 or 0022 (Dennie).
The museum and Thomas Gallery are beautifully decorated for Christmas, and all our visitors are enjoying Lorraine Stoll's delightful Christmas Village display. We won't be in a hurry to take that down, but don't wait too long to come see it.
The gift shop is a great place to find those last minute Christmas gifts. One-of-a-kind items include toys, games, books, Jerry Thomas prints and commemoratives, and the Scott County Historic Playing Cards, which make perfect stocking stuffers. Some items are greatly reduced in price.
There has been much publicity and speculation about problems between the historical society board and Jerry Thomas, and we know there are questions and concerns among our members. We are genuinely sorry this has occurred and regret any embarrassment or discomfort this has caused you. Two board members have resigned and the board will be appointing replacement to serve until the election at the Annual Meeting in April. We are looking at several options for resolving this controversy and ask for your patience, understanding, and continued support.
We would be remiss if we failed to recognize the years of leadership given to the historical society by Marilyn Miller. Her resignignation as board president leaves a huge hole that will not be easily nor quickly filled. Although Marilyn had only served the past five years as board president, she has been actively involved with the historical society for more than thirty years, giving hundreds of hours of volunteer service and generous financial support; always eager to share her amazing knowledge of Scott County history, which she loves passionately. It was that passion which led her to work diligently to see that Scott County had a proper and impressive Centennial Celebration in 1986. She campaigned openly for the building of El Quartelejo Museum, and twice for a sales tax proposal to benefit non-profit organizations and she supported and encouraged community funding for the Jerry Thomas Gallery. Her level of experience and willinghess to serve will be difficult to duplicate. Thank you, Marilyn.
As the year ends, please remember that your donations to the Scott County Historical Society are tax deductible. We need your financial support as never before. Checks may be mailed to Scott County Historical Society, PO Box 155, Scott City, KS 67871, or dropped off at the office. Checks designated for the Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection may be made through the Scott Community Foundation.
Please be assured that any check written to the society (a non-profit organization) but designated for the Thomas Gallery, or for a specific memorial gift, or to El Quartelejo Museum will be used exactly as you desire. Dues and donations to the historical society will be used for operation of the building, salaries and expenses. It has always been that way. It will continue to be that way. If you have questions PLEASE come talk to us.
Our current membership stands at around 230. A few of you have not paid dues during this year. Again, this reminder: Dues may be paid at any time, and are credited to you for a year from that date. Example: dues paid in April 2010, are paid through April 2011. If you aren't sure you are current, please call the office 872-5912.
