Museum fundraising still going strong

The Hot Springs County Pioneer Association began a funding drive last October to raise money for the purchase of the property adjoining the Hot Springs County Museum on the west side. To date, those efforts have realized more than half of the association’s $105,000 goal, collected and in the bank.

The association’s contract for deed has been extended until the end of March, so the initiative continues. There is currently a challenge to the public — for every dollar donated, it will be matched — dollar for dollar — up to $10,000.

A legitimate question has been raised, that being, “If you don’t raise all that amount, what will become of the monies already donated?” The answer is that the association will return all donations if necessary, but is committed to raising the entire amount and they anticipate reaching the goal soon.

Another legitimate question asked is “What are the plans and timeline for the property once it has been acquired?” The answer is that the ultimate goal for the property is to add an addition onto the museum to meet the pressing need for more exhibit and storage space for the ever-expanding collection of relics and artifacts.

The association has been blessed with a variety of heirlooms, art, relics and collectibles — many of them rare — making the Hot Springs County Museum the envy of make like-purposed institutions in the region. But the collections aren’t much good for viewing if they are hidden away in storage. Ergo, the much needed addition.

That final goal must be reached by pushing forward in phases to realize the end result. Phase 1 would be raising the funds to purchase the property. Once the property is in possession, Phase 2 will be to proceed with the removal of the house presently occupying the property. Plans are in play to address that issue, though nothing is firm as yet.

A question arose as to whether there will be only a bare lot left. The association has determined to call the area Pioneer Park, and it will feature outdoor exhibits currently in storage and more. For example, plans are for a small amphitheater for historical demonstrations, talks and entertainment, picnic tables and park benches in the form of ag animals that can be tied to information kiosks describing our agricultural heritage and products that were the beginning of settlement in the county, and shade and flower beds with both native and ornamental varieties.

Phase 2 will also include the next initiative to raise funds for the project to continue forward. The outside west wall of the museum will henceforth be known as “The Legacy Wall” and will feature a mural depicting a scene from our western heritage over a recognition wall. All residents are invited and encouraged to purchase a name plaque/memorial plate to place in the Legacy Wall. Three sizes of glazed quarry tiles will be offered — four inch by eight inch, eight inch by eight inch and 12 inch by 12 inch — and each size can be secured for a donation, valued respectfully, according to size.

Slightly smaller replica tiles for display on a desk, mantle or at a business will also be available as a souvenir and testimony to donations to the Legacy Wall.

Individuals, families, ranches displaying livestock brands, organizations, service groups, churches, high school classes and alumni, UWYO alumni, businesses displaying their logo or those just wanting to memorialize someone or something can all participate in this project for the good of our community.

Now is the opportunity to write your name in stone for all posterity to know you had a part in founding the new addition to the Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center.

The goal is to raise $50,000 with the first run of quarry tiles, but potentially using this avenue as a fundraising avenue in perpetuity, as the next phases of construction are identified. All donations to the cause are tax deductible per IRS rule.

Information and donations can be submitted at the HSC Museum and Cultural Center in care of the HSC Pioneer Association. For further information and questions, please call Ray Shaffer at 864-2678 or the museum at 865-5183.