ESHM Fall 2010 Newsletter

Eureka Springs Historical Museum
News Letter
95 South Main Street
Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632
Fall 2010

AHPP GRANT PROJECT COMPLETED!
Funds received from a grant from The Department of Arkansas Heritage through the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program have been well spent. The $23,000.00 has been used to make much needed repairs, renovations and improvements on the 1889 Calif House.
Our roof has been mended and no longer leaks. The porches have been refurbished and repainted. As a result of the leaks in the roof, it was necessary to replace sheet rock, patch plaster, strip woodwork, repair wiring and paint the majority of the second floor. Terry Miller and his crew did a wonderful job.
The new Art Gallery, which covers half of the second floor, boasts a new ceiling, track lighting, fresh paint all round along with picture molding circling the entire room. We now have an attractive and functional space in which to display art and special exhibits.
The Pioneer Room also received attention. Holes in the ceiling and the walls have been patched and repainted and the window blinds have been removed. It is a much brighter and inviting space and a more attractive environment for display of the collections.

THE FRED AND GLEN SWEDLUN EXHIBIT
To inaugurate the new Gallery space, we have on view the museum’s entire collection of work by two of the areas best-known regionalist landscape painters of the last century, Fred Swedlun (a/k/a Ernest T. Fredericks) and his son, Glenn Swedlun.
Attracted by the majestic beauty of the Ozark hills, the two artists migrated here from Illinois in 1950 and painted and taught here until their deaths, in 1959 and 1982 respectively. As one reviewer of the time wrote, the landscape paintings “reflect the brilliance of autumn, the bright lights of summertime, the freshness of spring, and the snow-laden burden of winter.”
The natural light in the gallery brings out the richness of these remarkable paintings and it is well worth a trip to the Museum see this magnificent collection displayed in such a complimentary setting as our new Art Gallery.

NEW FACES
Virginia Hamilton is a new face at the museum, thanks to the Experience Works program, a national, charitable, community-based organization, . You probably already know her, she has lived here 13 years and has been associated with many of the bed and breakfast inns in town. Virginia works three days a week assisting Director Ginni Miller at the front desk,with clerical work and housekeeping.
Another newbie is Makaila Dycus. Makaila will be a freshman at Eureka Springs High School in the fall. She loves history and loves the Museum and volunteers as often as possible.

VOICES FROM EUREKA’S SILENT CITY
The “Voices from Eureka’s Silent City” cemetery tour, premiered last October and proved to be one of the Museum’s most successful fundraising events of the year.
Public response that we make it an annual event was so overwhelming that the board has voted to host the tour again in October. To take it one step further, “Voices” will now be a bi-annual event and performances are scheduled for next spring on May 6th & 13th, 2011.
The living history tour features live actors in period costumes playing the roles of early citizens of Eureka Springs reminiscing about their past. Some of the characters were pillars of the community and some were figures whose colorful, outrageous or scandalous behavior helped shape the history and the myths of the town. Volunteers in period clothing host and lead the hour-long walking tours.
The concept for “Voices” was the brainchild of Rod and Phyllis McGuire who, not only proposed the idea to the board last year, but organized and oversaw its production.
Thanks to them, June Westphal, the many volunteers, and to Cornerstone Bank, who generously underwrote the entire project, Voices was and will continue to be a major source of funding for the Museum.

NEW AND IMPROVED WEBSITE www.eurekaspringshistoricalmusuem.org
We have a new, exciting and more user friendly website. Built for the Museum by Cynthia Morin of Studio 8 Creations, the site allows us to easily and directly add, update and change information on a daily basis. There are more photos and more information about the museum and its events, programs, tours and services.
Our new address is longer but more effective and expands our ability to attract users searching for what we have to offer. The site is easier to find and easier to navigate and, as always, is a work in progress.

THANKS
John Mitchell of Mitchell’s Folly generously loaned the Museum two very large Oriental carpets to use in the new Art Gallery during the course of the Swedlun show. He also allowed us the use of an Ernest T. Fredricks (Fred Swedlun’s pseudonym) painting from his collection for that exhibit. Thank you, John.
Alas, all good things must come to an end and the carpets have been returned to John, but now the gallery floor is bare. If anyone has any replacements, the Museum would be truly grateful for the donation.

PLAN A VISIT
Take some time to come by and see what’s new! We think you will be impressed. Bring a friend/s or tell them about us and encourage them to join too. And don’t forget that with membership comes privileges – admission to the Museum is free. Mondays through Saturdays hours are 9:30 – 4:00 p.m., 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sundays.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The Eureka Springs Historical Museum will be holding its annual Membership Meeting on August 24, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. at the Inn of the Ozarks Conventions Center.
Board President, Nancy Clark, will report on the past years projects, events and finances. Plans for the Museum’s future growth and well-being in the areas of Membership, Volunteerism, and Funding that have developed as a result of recent community “Think Tank” meetings will also be presented.
A slate of 3 new members nominated to serve on the Board of Directors for the coming year will be presente. Additional nominations will be accepted from the floor.
A brief social reception will be held following the membership meeting. The board will then convene to elect officers for the coming year.
Current as well as potential members are encouraged to attend and bring a friend to learn what’s happening at the Museum.

HISTORY MATTERS, VOLUNTEER TODAY!

HELP US PRESERVE THE PAST & PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE
A series of four “Think Tank” sessions have recently been held to come up with ideas, plans and solutions pertaining to the future of the Museum. We started with a core group of community members, interested in the growth and well-being of the Museum. They were asked for their views on what our goals and priorities should be.
The primary issues discussed were how to generate more interest in the Museum in order to grow our membership and encourage volunteers, exploring and find new ways of funding our needs, and whether the current facility meets our needs and what the positive alternatives may be.
The Museum has long needed and wanted to establish a plan for its future. Currently board members wear a directors’s and a volunteer’s hat and, because of lack of help, have found it difficult to develop and implement new ideas. These meetings have attracted members of the community sincerely interested in helping us grow and we now feel that we can begin to move forward.
Armed with the information collected, four committees, Membership, Volunteers, Mission Statement and Building have been formed from the core group to address these issues. The next step is up to you. We need volunteers to work on these committees to put the ideas into action. Please lend us your expertise and your time – it feels good to help. Call Ginni at the museum for more information, 479-253-9417.

YOUR MUSEUM NEEDS YOU. JOIN or RENEW TODAY.

BUSINESS OWNERS:
How often do you hear:
How did Eureka come to be?
Where can I find out more about town?
When visitors ask you questions about our town, send them down to visit Eureka’s Number One Downtown Attraction – the EUREKA SPRINGS HISTORICAL MUSEUM and VISITOR’S INFORMATION CENTER.
We will answer their questions, give them information, maps, brochures, directions to restaurants, lodging, shopping, attractions, Public Restrooms, Trolley Stops and more.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP
• JOIN the Museum Association. Levels of Membership start at an annual donation of just $20 or you can join the “PILLAR OF THE MUSEUM” direct deposit program. Membership entitles you to free admission to the Museum.

__________________________________________________________________
EUREKA SPRINGS HISTORICAL MUSEUM ASSOCIATION APPLICATION
Name________________________________________________Date___________

Address_____________________________________________________________

Phone_______________________________Email___________________________

Levels of Membership:
____Patron – $500 & above ____Benefactor – $250 ____Sponsor – $100
____Small Business – $ 50 ____Family – $30 ____Individual – $ 20
or become a “Pillar of the Museum” with a monthly bank draft – see below.

Payment: Cash____ Check____ Credit Card: Visa____ MC____
CreditCard#______________________________________Exp.Date___________

Signature_________________________________________________________

Opportunities to Serve
___ Fundraisers ___ Membership ___ Photographer ___ Greeter/Guide ___ Newsletter ___ Research/Archival ___Other__________________________________________________________

www.eurekaspringshistoricalmuseum • eshm999@sbcglobal.net
479/253-9417 • 95 S. Main Street, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
___________________________________________________________________

WHAT IS THE PILLAR PROGRAM?
The Pillar Program is the most convenient way for you to help support the Museum. A monthly bank draft, in any amount of your choice, can be set up at Cornerstone Financial Center, Community First Bank and Arvest Bank and the money will go directly to the Museum’s account.
The program is designed to be easier on your budget and provides the Museum with a regular monthly income. For more information, call Ginni at the Museum, 479/253-9417.

MORE WAYS YOU CAN HELP

• VOLUNTEER – you can be a Greeter, a Guide, help with Research and Photography, or offer your own special talent.

• ASSIST with fundraisers & events.

• SPREAD THE WORD, visit the museum and tell your friends & family (or bring them along) about what all it has to offer.

MUSEUM EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS

• Voices from Eureka’s Silent City Cemetery Tour • Changing Exhibits • Souper Soup
• Annual Christmas Ball & Silent Auction
• Artist’s Shows & Receptions

WISH, WANT, NEED LIST
• poster paper • 4 drawer file cabinets
• black markers • scratch paper • paper towels • envelopes • light bulbs
• copy paper • small document laminator • archive shelving
• folding chairs & tables
Call Ginni at the museum for specifics, 253-9417.

Visit eurekaspringshistoricalmuseum.org to see what your Museum has to offer.

Stay informed of what’s going on and help us go Green,
PLEASE SEND US YOUR
EMAIL ADDRESS:
eshm999@sbcglobal.net

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

Tags: Annual Meeting, art, Cemetery Tour, Ernest Fredericks, Eureka Artists, Event, Exhibit, Fundraiser, hands-on exhibit, Newsletter, Swedlun