New Madrid historic site's future discussed

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- State officials informed the public about how their tax dollars are being spent to preserve local history at a meeting this week on the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site.

Officials also included plans to expand the interpretation of history and continued restoration of the site.

Mike Comer, site administrator, and his staff were praised for the work over the past several years.

"I think you should be commended for all the work you have done," said Margaret Palmer, executive director of the New Madrid Chamber of Commerce, one of several people at the meeting.

The removal of the lead-based paint and the repainting of the house, once a sore spot with local residents, is nearly complete.

Visitors will arrive for Friday and Saturday's Christmas Open House and Candlelight Tours. Comer said the equipment will be gone.

While the painting will ensure continued preservation of the building's exterior, he said it impacted attendance.

Since October 2000, 5,652 people have visited the house with 654 guided tours conducted.

This is down from previous years, Comer said, suggesting visitors may have seen the scaffolding and workers around the house and decided it was closed for repairs.

Special events have proved popular, like the annual Easter egg hunt which had 100 participants this year.

"You would be surprised at how fast 100 kids can find 1,000 Easter eggs," Comer said.

In an effort to build on such events, Comer said he and the staff are considering offering more specialized events for small groups. These could include period fashion shows, first-person interpretations or taking a group through several scenarios.