Perryville Elementary students found many connections with the past today during tours of the Wall of Honor and Perry County Museum at City Park. All students in Grades 3-5 will visit the museum this week.
At the Wall of Honor, students discussed what it means to be a veteran and the different branches of services and armed conflicts in which local veterans had served. Several students found the names of their relatives, including Connor House located the stone for his grandfather Gene Bock, who served in the Marine Corp from 1966-68. Carter Lorenz located the name of his great-grandpa Vernon Littge, who served in the Army Air Corp in World War II.
Photo: Connor House locates his grandpa Gene Bock on the Wall of Honor at Perryville City Park.
Museum curators Jim and Cheryl Hart welcomed third graders who were excited to learn the history of Perry County. Students completed a trivia challenge during the visit which drew their attention to several exhibits including a display of antique radios, Missouri mill tax tokens, and a key to the city presented in 1990 to Richard Davis, who served as City Clerk for 41 years.
Photo: Perry County Museum curator Cheryl Hart (right) assists third graders Aaliyah Morris and Jazmine Reynolds during their visit to the museum.
Students were also delighted to find a display of Perryville High School memorabilia, and an exhibit of antique toys. They puzzled over many “old fashioned” items including a rotary telephone and manual typewriters.
Photo: The rotary phone was a bit of a puzzler for some of the students.
About Perry County Museum
The museum is located at 601 Freedom Park Drive inside Perryville City Park. The 1881 two-story brick house was the home of local butcher Joseph Duerr and his wife Mary Broeker Duerr. Operated by the Perry County Historical Society since its opening in 1990, the museum offers displays of historic significance and interest including antique toys, medical supplies, clothing, quilts, and household items like radios and kitchen ware. There are also exhibits on local schools, churches, and businesses as well as prominent Perry Countians. Curators Jim and Cheryl Hart welcome visitors from 1-3 pm each Tuesday and Thursday and 9 am to noon each Saturday from March through November. Tours can be arranged by appointment by calling 573-547-6383. Admission is free.
Photo: Students view antiques in the toy room at Perry County Museum.
Photo: The museum features exhibits on local schools, including our own Perryville High School.