The Daviess County Historical Society will launch its latest major exhibit, “Men of Distinction,” October 19th with a special premiere reception.
The event will be open from 5:30-7:30 PM and guests will need an active DCHS membership to attend. Memberships can be purchased at the door. Drinks and appetizers will be served.
“Men of Distinction” is the largest exhibit unveiled by the museum since its renovation in 2016, featuring biographies, photographs, memorabilia, and more from 11 men and one family whose contributions have helped to shape Daviess County past and present. Taking nearly a year from concept to completion, the exhibit will occupy the entirety of the Daviess Room on the museum’s second floor.
“It’s our most ambitious project yet,” said Julie Lancaster of the museum’s exhibit committee. “Learning about all of the Men of Distinction during the preparations was a unique experience”
The committee selected the 12 entries to represent a broad range of backgrounds, geographic origins, and time periods. The group is broadly divided into six living and six deceased men, but each will have his own dedicated location to be displayed.
“The museum collection tells a human story about the incredible connections people in Daviess County have to each other,” said exhibit committee coordinator Becky Kremp. “Volunteers who don’t have roots in Daviess County are constantly amazed at the people who formed this county from the early 1800’s.”
Kremp notes that the inaugural Men of Distinction selection is not meant as an exhaustive list, and that new entries may be added as the exhibit evolves in the coming years. She hopes that visitors will be encouraged to research and compile similar presentations on people who have made an important contribution to their lives.
“The common thread among these men is the fact that they have been rewarded in many different ways,” added volunteer Rose Palmer, “and how their giving nature and vision of what they did years ago or today has made an impact on this community.”
“I hope young people will read with interest and find hope and the willingness to follow their dreams,” she said.
The museum expects the full exhibit to be available through the winter, after which individual entries will be hosted on rotation.
The October 19 reception also serves as the museum’s annual membership drive for 2017. Museum membership is simple and reliable way to contribute to the historical society’s ongoing mission and costs $25 for individuals and $40 for families. Premium memberships are also available starting at $100 and include recognition on the new Donor Wall in the museum lobby.
The Men of Distinction:
Clifford Farris: Civic Leader
Abe Knepp: Pastor & Businessman
Rex Myers: Teacher & Historian
Glenn Graber: Businessman & Philanthropist
Homer Capehart: Entrepreneur & Politician
Neil Smith: Business Leader & Mentor
Harold Allison: Naturalist
Graham Family: Entrepreneurs
Amos Wittmer: Auctioneer & Community Leader
Don Cosby: Local Historian
Henry Gwaltney: Businessman & Philanthropist
Joe Kilps: Veteran & Volunteer
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call the Daviess County Museum at (812) 257-0301 or email dchistory@sbcglobal.net.
