Smithsonian exhibit opens at WR Museum

RBC I The White River Museum will hold an official opening of the Smithsonian exhibit “Between Fences,” Saturday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.
“We are excited to be hosting this exhibit,” Dr. David Steinman, Rio Blanco Historical Society board member and project manager for the exhibit, said. Between Fences will be on display in the back of the White River Museum, until Feb. 27, 2011.
According to the docent handbook, Between Fences is a Museum on Main Street exhibition developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. Museum on Main Street works with state humanities councils that serve small town museums and their citizens.
Steinman said the White River Museum was chosen to host the exhibit because it had the room, the staff, volunteers and support to “make the best use of the exhibit to strengthen our museum and historical society.”
“We hope having an exhibit of this quality will help us raise funds, increase our membership and gather support from individual donors,” Steinman said.
Several activities have been planned and more are in the planning stages, to promote the exhibit, the museum and the contributions the Rio Blanco Historical Society makes to our small-town lives.
Meeker Mayor Mandi Etheridge will have the honors of cutting the ribbon this Saturday at 10 a.m.
“I’m really excited the exhibit is here,” Mayor Etheridge said. “I believe it will benefit our community in many ways, show that we have more to offer than meets the eye, as well as get our community involved and remind people of our history.”
Steinman said Rio Blanco County Commissioner Joe Collins will speak on the role of the museum in the community and fellow historical board member Sparky Pappas will have the historic Jensen home, located on the corner of Sixth and Park streets, open to the public for a reception Saturday.
The White River Museum and RBC Historical Society are sponsoring a photo contest in connection with the exhibit and entries are due Dec. 20.
The museum has involved the younger community by partnering with the local middle and senior high school art classes for the Paint a Picket program. Projects will be displayed around town to draw attention to the exhibit.
Iris Franklin’s CNCC Quilting class has quilted several items which will be displayed at the Meeker Hotel and sold by silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the RBC Historical Society.
The White River Museum is located at 565 Park Ave., open daily, year around.