Exhibit hall nears completion

Gravette museum targets holding grand opening in August on Gravette Day

The rustic exterior of the new exhibit hall at the Gravette Historical Museum complements the early 1900 entrance of the museum's historic Kindley Home.
The rustic exterior of the new exhibit hall at the Gravette Historical Museum complements the early 1900 entrance of the museum's historic Kindley Home.

— The new exhibit building at the Gravette Historical Museum is nearing completion with the installation of sheet rock scheduled to begin soon. Painting, lighting, plumbing fixtures and the sidewalk are all that remain once the sheet rock is completed, said Steve Mitchael, a member of the museum commission.

The commission is hopeful the new 2,400 square foot building will be completed and ready for occupancy by May 1.

The exhibit building will house most of the Museum’s collections, some of which are presently displayed in the historic Kindley Home. That historic structure, which is listed on the National Historic Register, will then house period furnishings during the early 1900s when World War I Air Ace Capt. Field Kindley was a resident there. The entire property is protected by an Arkansas Historic Preservation Easement.

The Gravette Museum was founded in 1995 and operates as a commission of the city of Gravette but is primarily self-funded.

The total investment in the complex is $236,500, of which the city has contributed approximately $45,000. The city funds a portion of the annual operating expenses, including salary, utilities and insurance. All other funding comes from corporate and private donations.

To date, it is estimated there have been more than 14,000 volunteer hours invested in the museum. It has been the recipient of three grants which funded capital improvements and has received many private donations, as well as display items of relevant historical value. More than 7,000 people have visited the museum since its opening.

The museum is open Tuesday from noon to 4 p.m., Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There is no admission fee.

A grand opening of the expansion project is planned for Gravette Day,August 13 of this year, Mitchael said.

Persons who have any items to donate to the museum or who would care to make a tax-deductible cash donation to further the museum’s operation may contact a commission member or drop it off at the Gravette City Hall.

Members of the Museum Commission include chairman John Lee Mitchael, Daryll Brandon, Leland Brandon, Sean Casey, Jane Dunagin, Louise Evans, Faye Gould, Lori Mc-Namara, Bill Meade, Jay Mitchael, Steve Mitchael, Allyson Ransom and Mike von Ree.

Commission meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the Kindley Home.

News, Pages 8 on 03/09/2011