Wayside Garden Club Yard of the Month for June 2012

Russell Museum and Library Open House

On June 2nd, the Russell Museum and Library held it's open house to show off the new museum area addition to their building.  The entire building had been expanded and restyled.  The original section of the building had become very crowded with Russell memorabilia and expansion was very necessary. 

The Museum's task is to exhibit, document, and preserve the vast assemblage of objects that tell Russell's history, past and present.  Volunteers register, catalog conserve, research and display in style exhibits that memoralize the thriving hub that Russell once was.

With the extra space, the library was able to expand to meet its potential.  A wide range of books in all gneres, movies, computers, and a meeting area are available to the public.

Six foundations had a part in contributing funding toward this project:  The Coons Foundation, Vredenburg Foundation, Alliant Energy, South Central Iowa Community Foundation, U.S. Bank and the Chariton Arts & Recreataion Foundation (Vision II).

The Russell (Iowa) Historical Society Board members whose vision, commitment, and hard work made the endeavor possible were Wanda Liddell, President; Jim Werts, Vice President; Jacque Chester, Treasurer; Terry Newcombe; Joe Gookin; Ed Sellers, Duane Bedford and Betty Cross.  Honorable mention also goes to Marilyn Yoakum, Raymond Moody, Mary Louise Reeves and Justine Abrahamson.