Open House at Crittenden County Museum

Open House at Crittenden County Museum

Local history on display Sunday afternoon

news@theeveningtimes.com

Area residents will get a chance to tour the Crittenden County Museum this weekend during a free open house.

The museum, which located in the restored Missouri Pacific train depot in Earle, will welcome visitors on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.

“A lot of people are not aware that we even have a museum in Earle,” said Museum Director Tamara Berry. “So this will be a nice opportunity to come out and see the exhibits and find out what we are all about.”

The museum features a wide array of artifacts and exhibits documenting the history of Crittenden County and life in the Mississippi Delta.

Visitors who stroll through the galleries will learn about George Washington Berry, a former slave who became the county’s largest landowner; southern living and homemaking; early medicine; agriculture; and ducks of the Delta The museum also houses military artifacts from residents who fought in the country’s various wars; artwork by Carroll Cloar, and a vintage doll collection donated by Patsy Davis.

Outside, there is even a caboose to explore.

Berry said they will also be unveiling the museum’s latest acquisition, an 1840s piano.

“We have a lot of history and a lot of different exhibits,” Berry said. “I really think people who have never visited the museum before will be pleasantly surprised at all that is here.

This area is just rich in history.”

Berry said the event will also honor the memory of Bryan Speed, who was instrumental in starting the museum.

Speed was the principal of Earle High School for many years and was a teacher, historian, writer, artist, poet, and author of a children’s book.

He created the artwork on the walls of the Crittenden County Museum and planned the creation of the railroad mural at Earle’s town square.

Speed was the museum’s first director when it opened in October 1987.

“It’s a nice memorial to Mr. Speed,” Berry said.

“Throughout his life he did a lot of good work here and in Crittenden County.

Much of the county’s history was preserved thanks to his efforts.” Speed passed away last spring.

Berry said they will also have a quilt show and coloring books available for the children.

Refreshments will be served by the Red Hat Society Muses. The museum is located at 1112 Main Street in Earle.

The event is free to the public but donations are accepted.

By Mark Randall