A night of peace, love and history supports local museum

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

DAR/Alicea Little

On Saturday, the Mark Twain school of 1910 was opened to the public for a night of Peace, Love and History. The old school houses Butler County’s historic treasures and is filled with themed displays dating back to the early 1900s. Now known as the Poplar Bluff History Museum, money raised at Saturday’s event will help support the work done year-round by volunteers. “It’s absolutely wonderful here,” said Kathy Sanders, who attended the event. “I love how they’ve set up all the displays and being able to see history in one place. “I’ve been here years ago and I’m back tonight to see if there’s anything new and to see what all they’ve changed here.” It was an evening full of groovy people joined together to tour the museum, have a few drinks, socialize, eat dinner provided by Mayas’ restaurant, and listen to live music by the Jake Lung band. The museum is kept open through donations, therefore, fundraiser nights like Saturday are a way for the community to give back and keep the town’s history alive, according to participants.

Many of those attending wore 60s themed clothing for the event.
Guests at the annual Night at the Museum event including Mark Massingham, Steve Whitworth and Katy Ray are pictured Saturday at Poplar Bluff History Museum.
Attendees at the annual Night at the Museum event Saturday at Poplar Bluff History Museum toured many exhibits including displays on Native American history.
Attendees at the annual Night at the Museum event Saturday at Poplar Bluff History Museum toured many exhibits including displays on law enforcement history.

Attendees at the annual Night at the Museum event Saturday at Poplar Bluff History Museum toured many exhibits including, historic photos of early Butler County businesses, displays on Native American and law enforcement history, school and sports history, plus much more of the city's history.
Attendees at the annual Night at the Museum event Saturday at Poplar Bluff History Museum toured many exhibits including, historic photos of early Butler County businesses.
Attendees at the annual Night at the Museum event Saturday at Poplar Bluff History Museum toured many exhibits including displays on school and sports history.
Terena Whitworth (left) and Laura Drury pause for a photo.