Museum to feature anniversaries

We want to make sure you know about all the exciting things happening at the Cape River Heritage Museum this spring. We will be celebrating four important milestones in local history: the 100th anniversary of the fire department, the 100th anniversary of Louis Houck's books on Missouri history, the 70th anniversary of the sharecroppers roadside demonstration in the Bootheel and the 50th anniversary of Jerry Ford's musical career. Jerry and his musical friends will provide music throughout the spring, summer and fall at the museum. Mark your calendar for these events:

April 25 -- 10:30 a.m., season-opening event featuring Jerry Ford and Orchestra. Free. Refreshments will be served.

May 2 -- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cape Girardeau Fire Department celebrates 100 years. Street party showcasing fire trucks, equipment, games and concessions. Free. Historic photos, equipment and surprises will be exhibited. Register to win prizes, and visit our new gift shop.

May 8 -- 5 to 7 p.m., reception to honor Southeast Missouri State University historic preservation/museum students' work. Their 70th anniversary of the sharecroppers demonstration exhibit will be unveiled. We also will introduce the winner of the Regional History Award, Brooke Shearer, eighth-grader from Williamsville, Mo. Brooke's exhibit on Louis Houck will be showcased this season along with Houck artifacts.

Volunteers are cleaning our garden, moving furniture, painting, and creating new exhibits. If you would like to join us, we could use your help. We hope to see you after the museum opens April 25.

Call us at 334-0405 to arrange group tours, reserve meeting rooms or volunteer. E-mail questions to info@caperiverheritagemuseum.com.

<B>JOHN HOLCOMB, President, Cape River Heritage Museum Board of Directors, Cape Girardeau