Historical society looking forward
Special event set for October
The society charges no admission fee to visit or use the museum and library. So its featured event, "Footprints in Time," will help to fund the facility during the year.
The society operates the museum and library with assistance from the Madison County Board.Joyce Williams, society board member, said semi-annual events, like the one in October, help to pay for the costs of preservation, exhibitions and other special events at the facility.
"We'd like to let people know that we're preparing for the October event," she said.
Williams said the footprint theme comes from some of the artifacts in the museum, including an Indian moccasin and a shoe worn by Robert Wadlow. Wadlow, a resident of Alton who died at an early age, was the world's tallest man.
"The event represents the variety of historical periods that are represented in our collection," she said.
Museum holdings include artifacts from the earliest inhabitants of Madison County, including pioneers, political figures and businesses.
Through the years, donations of artifacts have come from all parts of the county, including Alton, Highland, Granite City, Collinsville, Troy and Bethalto.
"We use funds to keep these artifacts for future residents of Madison County," she said. "We want to keep them and protect them for future generations. Our volunteers and staff plan special events throughout the year to highlight an area or group of artifacts."
Williams said the museum has daily visitors and hosts school and other groups. Students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville also use the museum and archival library.
Support for the event can come in the form of donating an item for the silent and oral auction, purchasing an ad for the event auction catalog, and by attending the event, Williams said.
"We will need some items donated for the event for the actions," she said.
"Footprints in Time" is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m., at St. Ceceilia's Catholic Church, 155 N. Main St., in Glen Carbon.
Tickets for the event are $35. For more information, call 656-7562.
E-mail: lingram@yourjournal.com
