2006 was museum's year of new beginnings, accomplishments
BY KEVIN STINGLEY SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

KEVIN STINGLEY

2006 was a year of new beginnings and great accomplishments for the board of directors and the Heritage Center of Cherokee County. The museum was closed the first six months of the year because of maintenance problems and a lack of operating funds. In June, one of the board members paid for the repairs to the HVAC system and the board was able to begin planning its reopening. Ralph Johnston graciously donated his services in installing the new system. A group of 35 people from the Houston area were the first guests in late June and another 36 visitors were welcomed on the July 4 weekend.

In August County Judge Chris Davis toured the museum and was informed that it is the only county-wide museum open.

The weekend of Sept. 9-10 was the first official opening to the public and there were 25 visitors. Some visitors mentioned they had lived in Rusk all their lives and never knew it had a museum. Others noted that it had been 10 years since they had been in the museum and were delighted it was open again.

Oct. 22 Bill Eckel brought a group of 57 people that included his shipmates from the USS New Orleans. That ship was docked at Pearl Harbor that fateful Dec. 7, 1941. It was a pleasure and an honor to meet them.

With a tourism grant from the county and a portion of the hotel/motel tax designated for the arts from the Chamber of Commerce, the Heritage Center was able to begin its long range planning. In September a museum consultant from the Texas Historical Commission performed an evaluation of the Heritage Center. Based on her recommendations and fiveyear plan for the museum, the board of directors has begun to implement and direct many of those changes suggested. New displays are planned, remodeling and re-arrangement of the layout of the museum is also in the works. A sign on the outside of the building is in the process of being mounted. Many visitors have noted that they have passed by the building at 409 Henderson St. many times and never knew what was inside because of the lack of signage on the exterior.

As of Dec. 17, 2005, there have been more than 200 visitors to the Heritage Center. This is a result of the expanded hours and days that the museum is open. The museum reopened after the holidays on Jan. 6, 2007. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 - 5 p.m. on Sundays. For special appointment call (903) 683-5643.

Also please visit the website at www.hccc-museum.org.

The board of directors for the Heritage Center of Cherokee County include Kevin Stingley, Thomas Parsons, Tommye Pickett, Stephanie Caveness, Inez Conley, James Cromwell, Rachel Loden, Ruther McIntosh, Glenn Miller, Mike Murray, Sarah Summers, Marvin Troublefield, Kenneth Welch, Dan West and Don Woodard.

Kevin Stingley is president of the Heritage Center of Cherokee County.