Breckinridge Museum, Arts Center Plans Dedication

By Mark Holloway, Managing Editor
The Sturgis News - January 26, 2000

Dedication ceremonies for the renovated Camp Breckinridge Museum and Arts Center in Morganfield have been set for Sunday afternoon April 16.

Although the facility won't be 100-percent complete, board members agreed Monday that it will be time to open the doors just the same and share this project with the public.

It's an exciting time at the former Officers Club, as volunteers uncrate World War II era memorabilia daily for display in the museum.

The new windows and lighting, showcase the now famous wall murals, which were painted by prisoners of war during The Great War.

Organizers have learned that one of the artists may still be alive today and are in the process of making contact with him. The daughter of one of the German artists will also be invited, along with a host of dignitaries to include Gov. Paul Patton, Tom Brokaw, Tom Hanks, Miss America, Bob Dole and others.

Vicki O-Nan, president of the museums board, said a grant might provide new furnishing throughout the facility.

The board also has $15,000 in matching funds to restore the original artwork. In an interesting twist of fate, German art students may be recruited to complete this restoration. They would be guests of the community while here and housed by local volunteers.

The board will reapply for a $300,000 Military Affairs grant to complete restoration of the building.

Board secretary and Publicity Chairwoman Rebecca Meacham is working to publicize the museum and arts center via as many Internet sites as possible.

Also, at Mondays meeting the board discussed concerns and progress of the museum with volunteer Lawrence Strehle and heard an Arts Council report from Maribeth Logsdon.

The Organization Committee is meeting with Brucie Moore at 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, to address additional concerns and details in preparing the facility for full operation.

Signs identifying the museum and arts center will hopefully be in place soon.

Also presenting a report at Mondays meeting was new Facility Manager Vicki Ricketts.

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