Invitation to View and Observe Oliver House Museum Renovations in Jackson, MO

PUBLIC INVITED TO VIEW PROGRESS ON OLIVER HOUSE MUSEUM REDECORATING

Every home needs repainting and repairing every few years or so and the Oliver House at 224 East Adams Street in Jackson is no exception. The Jackson Heritage Association began the original Oliver House renovation in the late 1970s. Thirty years have passed and the Association board continues the mission to sustain and improve the house. Since 2009, improvements have included new HVAC systems, insulation, heirloom garden planting, roof replacement, replacement of the concrete front porch and sidewalk, and new pillars on the lower porch.

In 2012, attention turned to the interior of the house and the process began of repairing and refreshing room by room. The first endeavor was the Senator's Study. The renovation committee of Matt Palisch, Misty Mabuce, Pat Fosse and Phyllis Seabaugh brought new life to the stately room with deep green walls accented with a finely detailed stenciled border.

The next room to be transformed is the Parlor. The Parlor Project began in November 2013 with fundraising through the Jackson Heritage Association Trivia Night and matching funds from the Modern Woodmen of America. Work began in March to move furnishings and strip the walls of wallpaper. Bringing the walls back to bare plaster exposed areas in need of repair from water damage and the normal wear expected on a building over 150 years old. The renovation committee once again has planned to create the interior design appropriate for a formal parlor of the 1890's. The Association president Cathi Stoverink explained: "There is some rearranging and a little extra dust as with any redecorating, but it is truly exciting to see the activity at the house and to look forward to inviting our guests and visitors into such a lovely space."

The Association invites the public to view the progress during the open houses on the first Sunday of every month from 1-4. Saturday, April 26, from 12-5pm, the Association is hosting a Jackson History Day at the Oliver House featuring artisans demonstrating flint knapping, long bow making, flower drying, quilting, tatting and plain aire painting as well as tours of the house and grounds. On Sunday, May 5, from 2-5pm, there will be a wine tasting and open house where guests can support the Oliver House Museum while enjoying a glass of wine and the music of Saxy Jazz. Tickets are available at the Bank of Missouri on West Main Street, Jackson, Missouri, or at the door.