Hyrum’s museum tells stories of the town’s past
February 3rd, 2012 Posted in Arts and Life‘Grandparents come in with their families and see some of the displays we have, and start talking about memories from their childhood that no one in their family has ever heard before. It’s really an amazing thing.’
Story & photo by Tara Alvey
HYRUM — About 95 percent of the objects housed in the Hyrum City Museum are donations; donations made by members of the community who have held onto family heirlooms or artifacts from years before. Once received, the donations are combined with related items and put into displays organized chronologically and by category.
By organizing the displays this way, the museum tells the story of the town and its people to visitors.
But the museum doesn’t just receive contributions, it also gives back to members of the community.
“A place like this fosters communication between generations and families,” said Matt McBride, a frequent worker at the museum. “Often times when grandparents come in with their families and see some of the displays we have, they start talking about memories from their childhood that no one in their family has ever heard before. It’s really an amazing thing to see. Places like this bring people together.”
The original Hyrum City Museum opened in the early 1980s and focused its displays and message mainly on the history of the town and its citizens. About ten years later, under the direction of Lamar Baster, a geology professor from California, the museum’s focus shifted to rocks and the role that they played in the town.
Then, in 2008 when the new City Library was being built, the decision was made that the basement of the library should house the museum, and that the museum should again be focused on the history of Hyrum.
“Anyone can visit the museum,” said McBride. “I frequently give tours to youth groups, Boy Scout troops, families doing a family reunion type of event, I’ve pretty much done it all.
“When a group comes in for a tour I try and cater what I talk about to their particular interests. That makes it more interesting and enjoyable for everyone.
We’re really here for the community and any way we can help out is great. There have even been a few occasions when people have come to us for help in finding their ancestors and we’ve been able to help them with that.
“Our main goal is to try and serve and educate the people of Hyrum,” said McBride. “That’s what we’re here for.”
Visit hyrumcity.org/departments/museum for more information or visit the museum’s blog.
NW
Tags: family memories, history, Hyrum City Museum
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