GRAVETTE — A groundbreaking ceremony was held last Thursday evening for a new exhibit hall to be located adjacent Gravette’s Historical Museum.

Work on the foundation for the 1,500 square foot structure had already begun as workers have taken advantage of weather conditions to begin the project.

The new building will house an exhibit hall as well as a work room and restrooms. Its design will complement the Kindley Home, which houses the museum. The hall’s face will feature rustic wood reminiscent of the early 1900 era.

John Lee Mitchael, Chairman of the Museum Commission, and his son Steve were recently in Little Rock, where the design for the new structure was worked out with the Heritage Division of the Arkansas Historical Preservation Program.

That agency has provided $25,000 grant for the project Those funds will be supple mented with monies raised by the local commission and through donations from sup porters of the museum.

The Home History

The historic Kindley home dates to the 1900 era. It is constructed of bricks which were fired on-site. It was childhood home of Captain Field E. Kindley, a leading World War I air ace.

The home was refurbished several years ago through state grant and is now listed on the National Historical Registry.

It houses a growing col lection of items, including furnishings and artifacts from early day Gravette and the surrounding area and high lights the area’s history. The new display hall will allow more items to be appropri ately displayed.

An adjacent building which contains the diorama of early day Gravette and the railroad which led to the founding of the town, will be incorporated into the new building.

Funds Are Sought

Funds for additional furnishings, including display cases, must be secured and donations are solicited and welcomed from persons who are interested in preserving the history of Gravette and the region.

The museum is governed by a local commission which includes, besides Mitchael and sons Steve and Jay, members Leland Brandon, Jane Dunagin, Lori McNamara, Faye Gould, Allyson Ransom, Darryl Brandon, Sean Casey, Mike von Ree, Louise Evans and Bill Meade.

More information on the project is available by calling Mitchael at 787-6580. Donations may be made directly to the museum building fund at the Bank of Gravette.