Local museum benefits from renovation at Military Park

PEA RIDGE — One museum cleaned out its old display cases, preparing room for new cases.

Another welcomed the old display cases as new-found treasures.

When the Pea Ridge Historical Museum re-opens its doors March 6, there will be a new look thanks to the display cases donated to the Pea Ridge Historical Society by the Pea Ridge National Military Park museum. The use of the cases increases the number of artifacts able to be displayed.

“We were given all the cabinets from the military park,” Mary Durand, president of the Pea RidgeHistorical Society, said. “Scott Turner, a member of our club and a grandson of Billie Hickman, moved and re-assembled the cabinets.”

Durand said the additional space is welcome.

There will be more displays this spring in the museum and some old displays will be enhanced, she said.

A special treasure is a pair of celluloid storks used for years in the baby display of the Luther Martin store. Celluloid is a material used prior to plastic.

Members of the Pea Ridge Historical Society worked Saturday cleaning and rearranging preparing to open Saturday, March 6.

“We’re very happy about thedonation from the park. It’s quite a gift,” Jerry Nichols, Historical Society vice president, said.

The new display cases will permit better use of the limited floor space, as well as allowing the addition of some new exhibits, Nichols said. Several of the previous exhibits are being relocated and expanded.

The museum’s opening date is the 148th anniversary of the Battle of Pea Ridge, which began on March 6, 1862.

Donations or use of historical items are welcomed by the Historical Society, with a special interest in an old-style wringer washer, Nichols said. Other items currently being sought include farm tools and implements.