The museum staff composed of Louise Parker, Anna Ayers, Larry Carter, Gary and Elaine Raper have been busy this summer working with Ms. Becky Lapczynski, historian and museum consultant, devising a master plan for the internal renovation.
Ms. Lapczynski has an M.A. in Public History from the State University of West Georgia and is on assignment for fulfillment of a grant given by GAMG.
The mater plan, now in place, will include arrangement of the museum exhibits in a chronological order so visitors passing through can easily follow the historical timeline of Polk County’s development.
Major themes to be included in the renovation are: Native American History since European Settlement; Early Years of Polk County; the Civil War and Reconstruction; New South Years; Town life and Rural Life of the Twentieth Century; the World Wars and Post World War II. A sports exhibit, a Goodyear Mill exhibit and a Sterling Holloway exhibit may also be included in the renovation at the lower museum level.
A major part of the exhibit renovations will include establishment of detailed historical notes to compliment each phase. And, to bring local history to life, each phase will include many more photos, maps and graphics.
The museum staff has been considering this renovation for many years and feels this is an ideal time for the renovation since Polk County will celebrate 150 years of history on Dec. 20, 2001.
Those who have artifacts or photos that will compliment the major themes of the proposed renovation are encouraged to bring them to the museum for evaluation.
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