On November 14, 2024, the Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives hosted its much-anticipated Annual Dinner, themed “Hinges of History: From Horsepower to Horsepower.” Held to celebrate the museum’s achievements and raise funds for future endeavors, the event united local leaders, community members, and history enthusiasts in an evening of recognition, reflection, and entertainment.
The evening began with Vice President Kerrie Amos welcoming attendees and introducing Mayor Mark Spohn, who delivered the invocation. Following a buffet dinner, Amos shared the significant contributions of the museum’s supporters, including Lifetime Members, Patrons, and members of the Maurer Foundation, 50 Year Club, and Generations Club. Each group represents the backbone of the museum’s efforts, with members providing vital financial support and advocacy for preserving Excelsior Springs’ rich history.
Board President Carol Baxter delivered a recap of 2024, showcasing a year of impactful accomplishments:
Completion of four new roofs and $130,000 in building maintenance over the past three years.
- A robust $30,000 raised through various fundraising initiatives.
- Enhanced digitization projects to improve access to historical archives.
- Over 2,000 visitors welcomed from 30 states and the UK.
- Expansion and refreshment of the museum’s gift shop.
- Community outreach through numerous events.
Volunteer coordinator Deb Foster expressed heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated volunteers and supporters who made these milestones possible. Among these volunteers, Mary Miller and Kathy Atkinson were celebrated as the Volunteers of the Year. Both Mary and Kathy have poured countless hours into the museum, contributing their creativity, time, and passion to various initiatives. Their commitment to the museum’s mission and the community it serves was recognized with applause from the crowd.
Foster emphasized, “Mary and Kathy are the foundation of our organization. When called, they are the first to show up and the last to leave, and tonight, we honor them for going above and beyond.”
The evening included a tribute to members of the museum community who passed away this year. The list of names read aloud was a solemn reminder of the legacy left behind by these individuals, whose dedication helped shape the museum’s success:
- Denny Farrenkopf
- Lily Heflin
- Dennis Heine
- Rich Manka
- Pat Morgan
- Jean O’Dell
- Everett Rimmer
- Laveigh Rooney
As their names were spoken, attendees paused to remember their contributions.
Watch the full video of From Horse Power to Horsepower on the Excelsior Citizen YouTube Channel.
The feature presentation for the evening was the premiere of a video by Jason Cole, co-founder of the Excelsior Citizen, titled “Hinges of History: From Horsepower to Horsepower.” Produced in partnership with the Museum staff, the video explores Excelsior Springs’ transformation during the transition from the age of horse and buggy to the rise of the automobile, using historical imagery and compelling narration to capture the spirit of change that defined the community. The video was well received by attendees, setting up possible future collaborations between the Museum and the Excelsior Citizen.
The evening culminated in a lively dessert auction led by Jimmy McCullough. A wide variety of homemade desserts, including Jana Schwarz’s French silk pie, Nikki Kilgore’s jalapeño cheese sourdough bread, and Jeannie Johnson’s coconut cream pie, were hotly contested in a spirited bidding war. Proceeds from the auction will directly support the museum’s ongoing preservation projects and community programs.
The Annual Dinner demonstrated the strong community ties and shared commitment to preserving Excelsior Springs’ heritage amongst those in attendance. With continued support from its members, donors, and volunteers, the Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives looks forward to expanding its programs, enhancing its facilities, and keeping local history alive for generations to come.
For more information on how to support the museum or become a member, visit the Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives website.
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