Old Independence Regional Museum to feature “A Night At The Museum”
What happens after closing time at the museum? The exhibits come to life, of course! Inspired by the Night at the Museum films, Old Independence Regional Museum will host A Night at the Museum on Friday, October 28, 2016, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This family friendly event will feature a fun evening of character interactions, crafts, and refreshments. Admission for the evening is $5 per person. Bring your camera because photos are encouraged – no flash please. Visitors are invited to come as they are or dress in their favorite costume. There will be a costume contest for those under the age of 12.
In the museum’s Civil War exhibit, visitors will meet Emily Weaver, Nannie Wilson, and Emma Burr, three teenaged girls living in Batesville during the Civil War. These ladies didn’t let the war get them down. They enjoyed the new social opportunities that the war brought to Batesville by hosting balls and parties for the soldiers. Join the ladies, as they discuss the latest happenings. They will be teaching visitors the “secret language of the fan” that they used to send messages to admirers across the ballroom.
Captain Thomas Todd Tunstall will be entertaining visitors who wander by the River Exhibit with stories of his life as a riverboat captain, racetrack owner, businessman and veteran of the War of 1812. His wife, Sarah a riverboat entertainer will be joining him as they tell about life on the river. Sit and visit with them for a spell and take a turn at playing a game of checkers.
At the pioneer wagon, visitors will encounter a family who is traveling by wagon. Interact with them at their camp site, where they have stopped for the night. Where will they sleep? What’s on the menu for tonight? These are all good questions to ask them during your visit. Join them as they entertain for the evening with ghost stories and sing along to some favorite old songs.
On the Back Porch a couple is discussing their daily struggles during the Great Depression. The lady is churning some cream into butter to be sold to her neighbors. Visitors are invited to let her rest as they take a turn at the churn. Visit with their children who are hard at work hand ginning cotton nearby, and ask them about school.
In Shawneetown, visitors will encounter Charles Kelly, a pioneer and sheriff who traded with the Shawnee. Talk about what life was like for Native Americans during the early 1800s and learn about how they interacted with settlers.
Keep your eyes open because the “lost” statue of Blind Justice from the third Batesville courthouse will be making an appearance. Visit with the clock and watch repairman as he works. Keep your eyes open as other characters, like a local timberman and a rover peddler will also be making appearances.
We will be brewing a special concoction for visitors to try, along with cookies, at the refreshment table. All are invited to stop and visit for a spell, and if you are brave enough, sample one of the creations.
In our craft area, children are invited to make pumpkin critters, pet spiders, and ghosts. Do you dare to feel for innards, toes, and brains in the touch and feel boxes?
This humanities program is made possible by local support from Independence County and the City of Batesville, as well as by Challenge Grant Endowment funding from the National Endowment of the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Old Independence serves a 12-county area: Baxter, Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Marion, Poinsett, Sharp, Stone, White, and Woodruff. Parts of these present-day counties comprised the original Independence County in 1820s Arkansas territory.
The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for seniors and $1.00 for children. The museum is located at 380 South 9th street, between Boswell and Vine Streets in Batesville. During your visit, stop by our gift shop. We stock many items from local artists, authors, and crafters, as well as historical toys and games.
