Cape River Heritage Museum plans special events

Sixteen historic preservation students from Southeast Missouri State University are working with volunteers to install exciting new exhibits at the Cape River Heritage Museum.

In honor of the 90th anniversary of the League of Women Voters, the museum will feature several exhibits on the women of Cape Girardeau, including educators, healers and American Indian women.

Other exhibits honor Cape Girardeau's policemen and the Mississippi River steamboats. Continuing exhibits highlight the Missouri mule, the sharecroppers' roadside demonstration and the tall-ladder firetruck.

The museum board is planning other special events, including book signings, hands-on activities for children of all ages, friendship tea, screening of the movie "Iron-Jawed Angels" and other events to honor the women of Cape Girardeau past and present.

Our Made in Missouri gift shop is open. In addition, we offer antiques and gently used items in our Old Curiosity Shop.

Upcoming events: April 21, 6:30 p.m., screening of "Ironed-Jawed Angels" sponsored by the League of Women Voters; April 23, 5 to 7 p.m., 2010 opening reception with a behind-the-scenes tour of our preservation workshop; April 30, 5 to 7 p.m., student exhibit opening; May 8, 2-4 p.m., friendship tea to honor all women, Christ Episcopal Church fellowship hall, tickets $12. Betty Hearnes will be a special guest and will sign copies of "Missouri 1821-1971 Sesquicentennial Cookbook."

Museum hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. We're planning extended hours June 1. Call 337-0405 for details or info@caperiverheritagemuseum.com.

By becoming a member or making a contribution, you make it possible to keep the museum open, provide tours to groups and organizations and preserve Cape Girardeau's historical treasures.

Dr. JOHN HOLCOMB, President, VINEY MOSLEY, Director, Cape River Heritage Museum, Cape Girardeau