TAKING A LOOK AT THE PAST IS KEY TO UNDERSTANDING FUTURE; GROUP INVITES OTHERS TO LEARN ABOUT CAPE'S BEGINNINGS DURING UPCOMING HISTORIC PRESERVATION WEEK

There is something to be said for learning from the past. But it has to start by learning about the past. The Historic Preservation Commission of Cape Girardeau wants people to examine the history of Cape Girardeau and has planned a week of activities to get people interested.

"We're trying to get the public more involved in their history, and we think we've come up with some fun ways to do it," said Loretta Dodd, board member of the Historic Preservation Commission.

May 10-16 is Historic Preservation Week in Cape Girardeau. Several displays will honor the event, and citizens will even have a chance to visit one of the oldest cemeteries in the city for an "open house," where they can learn about the lives of the people buried there and the history of the cemetery itself.

Beginning Monday, artwork and essays made by fourth graders at Clippard, Alma Schrader, Jefferson and Trinity Lutheran schools in Cape Girardeau will be on display at West Park Mall.

Civil War memorabilia will be on display at the Cape Girardeau Public Library also beginning Monday. The River Heritage Museum at 538 Independence will have a country store theme where workers will be dressed in historic costumes.

Those interested in vintage clothing can enjoy a display at the Glenn House, 325 South Spanish, May 14-17. The display will be open daily from 1-4 p.m.

The last activity of the week will be on May 16, when the public is invited to an "open house" at Old Lorimier Cemetery from 2-4 p.m.

Dodd said the unusual event is an opportunity for people to visit the cemetery and learn about the people buried there and, along with it, some of Cape Girardeau's history.

Genealogists and members of the Historic Preservation Commission will be at the cemetery dressed in period costume to talk with visitors to the cemetery.

"The cemetery will likely be one of the first historical landmarks in Cape Girardeau," Dodd said. "And there aren't many opportunities to just go out and visit a cemetery."

All events are free.

The nine-member commission, which is appointed by the Cape Girardeau City Council, is responsible for choosing local historical landmarks.