I found a definition for the word, transit, as it applies to astronomy, which says it is “when one astronomical body passes in front of another”. Using that definition, one can call a solar eclipse a special kind of transit. As I write today, we are exactly 3 months away from another solar eclipse, and it just … More A Special Transit – Be Prepared and Be Here
I am republishing an old story today because I do not have time to write. Today is the 98th anniversary of the deadliest tornado in American history, and that tornado went through Perry County. The centennial anniversary of that tragic event will take place in 2 years. =========================================== Ninety-one years ago, on March 18, 1925, … More The Deadliest Tornado
Two hundred years ago on this date, the territory of Missouri was admitted to the Union as an official state. That event will be the starting point for today’s post. Normally, the posts on this blog tell the stories of German Lutherans who had their roots in Perry County, Missouri. That not will not be … More Happy 200th Birthday, Missouri
I enjoyed working this fine Sunday afternoon at the Lutheran Heritage Center. Upon arriving I walked around, and after 16 years as the director here, I am still amazed at the new things I notice—even in exhibits I’ve created myself. As a historian in material culture, I am naturally fascinated by objects, documents, art, and … More Symbols of Our Stories
I know that I will not have time to research a new family the way I normally do today, so I put together this quick post. In 1895, a booklet was published titled, A Modern Eden, that was designed to tell the history of Perry County, Missouri up to that time. It is a good … More Pre-1900 East Perry Businesses
Since we are not reopening the interior of the Lutheran Heritage Center to the public until early June, I wanted to challenge the idea that we are ‘closed.’ The team that keeps this place running has been working full press (within safety protocols) on: program development, restoring lighting, installing upgraded security, installing new flooring, creating … More Closed BUT Operational, Part 2
Dear Patrons, It has been an unprecedented time in the museum world. Know that we have been praying for your health. We have friends in the world who have battled or are battling this virus, and other friends who have lost family members unrelated to the virus, or have suffered other health crises during this … More We are Closed but Operational
Every once in awhile…as Gerard unlocks the museum for the day…a mystery package greets him–a box, a bag, and once, a beautiful cast iron bell. It is always fun to see what treasures someone has left for our collection. I remember in the past some historic photography. Photographs are special, especially if they are from … More Treasures Found at the Door
We are so pleased to exhibit the historic Thilenius Distributing Model AA Ford truck. We are thankful to LaDonna and the late Howard Thilenius for this accession. It has been fun to use it in our collection. Today, Santa brought the truck to Altenburg, to deliver this giant tree! A very special thanks to Meier … More Santa Claus Came to Town
I am going to cheat again today. I have those typical Thanksgiving obligations to our family, so I’m pulling out an old blog post that was published three years ago. At that time, I wrote this post after Thanksgiving was over. I cannot believe it has been three years since this article was written. I … More Reflections on Thanksgiving
