Ribbon cutting for Historical Society Genealogy Library

Surrounded by many of the people whose efforts led to the new building, Betty Williamson cuts the ribbon for the new Genealogy Library annex of the Moniteau County Historical Society. Williamson is one of the original members of the historical society. The event was held Saturday, May 31.
Surrounded by many of the people whose efforts led to the new building, Betty Williamson cuts the ribbon for the new Genealogy Library annex of the Moniteau County Historical Society. Williamson is one of the original members of the historical society. The event was held Saturday, May 31.

Nearly 50 were in attendance at the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new annex of the Moniteau County Historical Society Genealogy Library.

The 60 x 24 foot annex on the west end of the Cultural Heritage Center is also operated by the historical society. The additional space allows for a greatly expanded area available for display and accessibility of genealogy materials. In recent years, the genealogy library has seen quite a bit of growth in the materials and increased use.

State Archivist John Dougan, from the office of the Missouri Secretary of State, was present for the event. Following the program, Dougan commented, "The folks in the Moniteau County are lucky to have this facility. This county truly has one of the strongest historical societies in the state."

The event, which was held Saturday, May 31, began outside for the ribbon cutting. Those present then went inside the new annex for the program at which President Dottie Gump introduced the speakers and the guests.

Carl Gatlin and Paul Jungmeyer, building committee co-chairs, spoke briefly. Gatlin also began the program by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

The project started Feb. 14, 2011. Moniteau County Presiding Commissioner Kenny Kunze spoke briefly about the support the county has given to the project. The stone marker on the side of the building is similar to the one which was once set in the sidewalk at the courthouse. While in storage, it was broken by accident and replaced with the one now in the outside wall of the new annex. The county also donated an old table from the courtroom.

Richard Schroeder gave a brief history of the historical society, which dates to 1966 with 211 charter members. Beginning as a drawer in a file cabinet, the genealogy library progressed in 1988 to the Cronin House on Oak Street, then, in 1993, to a room in the Cultural Heritage Center, and now, a spacious library annex. The cost was about $125,000. Names of donors are listed on the donor tree on a wall.

Ashton Brizendine, granddaughter of Gump, read a poem "Grandma and the Family Tree," author unknown. Dr. Peter Kurowski, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, gave the closing prayer. Genealogy Library hours are 1-5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April through October. It was also announced that the library will be open late on Thursdays, starting June 12. For information, telephone 573-796-3563.