Welcome Center celebrates 25 years

Spring/Summer 2014 • Vol. 2, Issue 6
Welcome Center celebrates 25 years
Crew” of volunteers and staff
have helped people from
around the world discover
Sioux City’s unique history
and area attractions.
Then and now: In 1989, it took 10 cranes to move the M.V. Sergeant Floyd from the banks of
the Missouri River to its present location.
F
or 25 years, a retired tow
boat that once plied the
waters of the Missouri
River has served as one of
Iowa’s most unique Welcome
Centers. An open house to
celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Sergeant Floyd
River Museum & Welcome
Center will be held May 15
through May 18 from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m.
T
The M.V. Sgt. Floyd was
built in 1932 to perform light
towing, survey and inspection work along the Missouri
River. After the boat was
decommissioned, city leaders brought it to Sioux City. In
1989, the now permanently
dry-docked vessel opened
as a combined state tourist
welcome center and river
museum. For 25 years, “the
Kathy Meisner, who now
serves as Welcome Center
Supervisor, has been with
the boat since the beginning. She has witnessed a
great deal of change over
those years. She says the
many projects have made
the metro’s riverfront one of
the finest along the Missouri
River. Challenges have come
along too, like the Flood of
2011 and various construction projects.
(continued on page 3)
Museum receives award
he Sioux City Public Museum was recently awarded the Siouxland Choice
Award for “Best Cultural
Attraction Downtown.” The
award came in the first year
the “Best Cultural Attraction
Downtown” category was
included in the Weekender’s
annual survey.
With over 700 ballots cast,
the Sioux City Art Center and
Orpheum Theatre were also
award winners. “It is great
being honored amongst institutions with such long ties to
our community,” noted Steve
Hansen, Museum Director.
“We were pleased to be recognized by the community,”
said Hansen. “Since moving
downtown three years ago,
we have received positive
feedback from residents and
tourists alike.”
Last summer, the Museum received the Star of Siouxland
Award from the Community
Enhancement Committee of
the Siouxland Chamber of
Commerce. When presenting
the award, the committee
noted the strong attendance
figures for the downtown site.
The Sioux City Public Museum collects, preserves, and interprets cultural
and social history with an emphasis on Sioux City and the region.
GRAND OPENING
Experience the history of Sioux City like never before! You are invited to
Director’s Report
R
ecently, the Museum
hosted a contingent
of visitors from Sweden who were here to learn
about the good work our
community has done in advancing awareness of bullying and violence prevention.
Our visitors spent hours at the
Museum listening to speakers and touring the Museum.
They were amazed with our
facility and delighted with
the Swedish history that we
have in our collection.
One visitor asked if I could
summarize our Museum purpose in one easy statement
which I responded with: “Our
goal is that the Museum is a
community meeting place
where guests can learn while
having fun and have a desire to return with friends and
family.”
“One visitor asked if I
could summarize our
Museum purpose in one
easy statement...”
The next question was, “Have
we succeeded in reaching
this goal?” As you read this
newsletter, I believe that you
will be able to answer the
last question with a resounding “yes!” Celebrating our
third year at the new site we
continue to see high attendance, expanded programming and opportunities for
Volunteer Spotlight
E
ver wonder how the
Peirce Mansion hosts
dozens of events each
year without any paid staff?
The answer starts with volunteer Kathy Fliginger.
As the first point of contact
for people interested in renting the facility, she handles
the numerous inquiries, goes
over the event details and
keeps track of the payments.
Kathy recalls serving on the
Sioux City Museum & Historical Association when they
were trying to decide what
to do with the house after
the Public Museum moved
downtown. “We wanted it
to be a place where people
could enjoy it not only as a
lovely place to look at, but
by Steve Hansen
involvement for our guests
and volunteers. A full slate of
spring and summer activities
have been planned at all
of our sites and increasingly
groups are utilizing our Museum for meetings.
None of this would be possible without the great efforts
of our staff and volunteers
and everyone who has contributed resources over the
years that have developed
the Museum into a community meeting place and a
destination attraction!
Thank you for all of your help
and I hope you will visit one
of our sites soon.
Kathy Fliginger
also as a place they could
actually use.”
She has enjoyed working on
the Peirce Mansion Committee. “This is an incredible
group who give so generously of their time and their
talents,” she notes. “We have
developed some wonderful
friendships.”
She cites many reasons for
her devotion to the mansion.
“First of all, I love the house
itself,” says Kathy. “I think we
are really lucky to have this
beautiful building in such
good condition.”
Kathy oversees the day-today operations that have
made the historic mansion
a premiere local venue for
A retired high school teacher/counselor,
Kathy has lived in Sioux City for more than
50 years and in South Sioux City before that.
Her dedication to the Peirce Mansion has
made her an invaluable volunteer.
receptions, meetings, and
even weddings. As the person who books the events,
she says she has really enjoyed meeting people who
also love the mansion, and
helping them plan their
events. “And the response
from the community has
been phenomenal!”
(continued from page 1)
As Meisner says, “The Crew
never lost their focus through
all this activity. We came together to help and educate
people about Sioux City and
the area. In return, we had a
lot of fun and personal satisfaction knowing we made a
difference!”
From its location on the
banks of the Missouri River,
the grounds of the Welcome
Center host two annual
events: the Bill Diamond Antique and Classic Car Show in
July and the Sergeant Floyd
Memorial Encampment in
August. School tours are held
throughout the year with the
majority of students visiting
the facility in the spring.
A
Clockwise from top to bottom: Visitors can get a unique perspective of the Missouri River
from the restored pilot house on the upper deck; a forensic reproduction of Sgt. Charles
Floyd was created for display; dioramas showcase historic Missouri River scenes.
Student projects featured in exhibit
variety of local historic
landmarks, events and
people are represented in the Sioux City History
Projects exhibition now showing at the Sioux City Public
Museum. The 23rd annual
exhibit features more than 80
models and posters made by
Sioux City fourth grade students. The exhibition will be
on display until May 18 when
students will be honored at a
public reception and awards
ceremony.
After spending part of their
school year studying local
history, approximately 1,000
students from 17 participating schools created projects
based on Sioux City’s past
and present. Selected projects were evaluated according to their uniqueness and
quality of work. Most of the
Sioux City schools participating in the exhibit have scheduled field trips to the Museum
while the projects are on
display.
Participating schools include:
Bryant, Clark, Crescent Park,
Emerson, Holy Cross, Hunt,
Irving, Leeds, Lincoln, Riverside, Roosevelt, St. Paul
Lutheran, Spalding Park,
Sunnyside, Unity, Washington,
and Whittier Elementary.
Other exhibits currently on
display are Airwave Classics:
The Sam Seldon Vintage Radio Collection, a selection of
historic radios, microphones,
and accessories on loan from
a personal collection, and a
traveling exhibit, Denmark:
October 1943.
T
May 2 - 10
2014 Historic Preservation Week in Sioux City
he Sioux City Public Museum is once
again partnering with the Historic Preservation Commission and other community
organizations and businesses to present programming during Historic Preservation Week.
The activities kick off at City Hall with a proclamation declaring May 2 through 10 as
Sioux City Historic Preservation Week with the
theme, “Downtown Sioux City - Looking Back
to Move Forward.”
Familiar festivities such as the Barstool Open
and National Train Day will join a variety of
new presentations this year. The Sioux City
Public Museum will host six of the programs
throughout the week. The following is a list of
events:
DOWNTOWN SIOUX CITY - LOOKING BACK TO MOVE FORWARD
Saturday, May 3, Noon
6th Annual Barstool Open
Mini golf pub crawl on Historic 4th Street. Cost is
$50 per 4 person team with sign up forms available at bars on Historic 4th Street and in the
Weekender. Sign in at 11:30 a.m. at Mac Behr’s,
tee off at noon. Wrap up party is at 4:30 p.m. at
Indigo Palette.
Saturday, May 3, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Scavenger Hunt
Northwest Iowa Architects Council
Sioux City Public Museum
The public is invited to join the Northwestern
Iowa Architects Council (NIAC) for an Architectural Scavenger Hunt in Downtown Sioux City.
Teams of up to 4 people will travel on foot collecting photographs of the answers to clues.
Sign in at 12:30 p.m., the hunt starts at 1 p.m.
Sunday, May 4, 1:00 p.m.
A Place for Trades:
Cultural Change in the 21st Century
Sioux City Public Museum
Rudy Christian will lead a discussion on the importance of teaching historic preservation to our
young people, and is avid about reviving the
skilled building trades. Free.
Sunday, May 4th, 2:30 p.m.
Siouxlandmark Tour of Historic Churches
Go to www.siouxlandmark.com for event details. $20 Donation.
Sunday, May 4, 3:00 p.m.
Trading Places - It Isn’t Just About Taking Care of
the Buildings But Taking Care of the People Who
Make a Group of Buildings into a Neighborhood
Sioux City Public Museum
Rudy Christian will lead the second part of the
discussion on “Trading Places.” Free.
Tuesday, May 6, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Historic Tax Credits
Sioux City Public Museum
Staff from Iowa State Historic Preservation Office
will present a two hour workshop on the Historic
Tax Credit Program. Free.
Wednesday, May 7, Noon
Terra Cotta
Sioux City Public Museum
Terra Cotta expert, David Dahlquist, will be here
from Des Moines to speak on Terra Cotta history,
restoration, and contemporary exploration in
public art. Bring your own lunch to the free public
event.
Thursday, May 8, Noon
How and Why SIoux City Grew the Way It Did
Sioux City Public Museum
A history of the urban development of Sioux City.
Presented by Tom Munson, archivist at the Sioux
City Public Museum. Bring your own lunch to the
free public event.
Friday, May 9, 10:00 a.m.
The Treasure of Sioux City Award Presentation
City Hall, 405 6th St (5th Floor)
Saturday, May 10, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
National Train Day
The Railroad Museum in Riverside
A day of classic cars and trains includes free
motor car rides, railroad exhibits, tours and more.
Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for 6-18 year olds
and free for kids 5 and under. For details visit,
www.milwaukeerailroadshops.org.
For more information about Historic Preservation
Week, visit www.siouxcityhp.org.
A full summer of activities planned at Museum
L
ooking for something for your child to do during
summer break? The Sioux City Public Museum
is offering more options than ever for summer
programs June 3 through August 5 for children ages
3 and up. A wider variety of camps and a two-day
class for 5-6 year olds are new this year. Past favorites such as the Victorian Tea at the Peirce Mansion
and the Dinosaur and NASA camps are returning with new activities. Scholarships are available
based on financial need. For details, contact 712279-6174 or [email protected].
Pre-registration is required for all classes and camps
except for the family program, Kid’s Thursdays. To
pre-register for the 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. session with
Clifford the Big Red Dog, call IPTV at 1-800-728-2828.
Family Programs
Kid’s Thursdays* Clifford the Big Red Dog and Dan Wardell will return for
story time and adventure on August 5. Last year, the duo
from IPTV drew more than 300 children and parents in two
sessions offered at the Museum. Pre-registration is required.
D
10:00-11:00 a.m.
Geared to families with young children. Adults and
children will explore hands-on learning activity centers.
Fee: $1 per child per session *pre-registration is not required
Kinda Corny
June 5
Clowning Around
June 19
Boots, Bonnets, & Bandanas
July 10
Dino Fun
July 24
“Tourist in Your Own Town” returns
iscover fun and entertaining venues “right
in your own backyard”
this summer. The Sioux City
Public Museum and Sergeant
Floyd River Museum and
Welcome Center are once
again participating in the
“Tourist in Your Own Town”
program that encourages
residents to visit local cultural
and entertainment attractions in Sioux City.
A few exciting changes are
being made to the program
this year. In the past, the
program was limited to just
a couple weeks in May. For
the first time, residents will
have the entire months of
June and July to complete
the passports. Also, instead
of paper passports, visitors
will have passport booklets
which will showcase Sioux
City’s tourist destinations.
In addition to being available at the Public Museum
and Welcome Center, the
booklets will be available at
these locations: Sioux City
Art Center, IBP Ice Center,
Sioux City Public Library, Tyson Events Center/Gateway
Arena, Long Lines Family Rec
Center, Sioux City Convention Center, Dorothy Pecaut
Nature Center, Lewis & Clark
Interpretive Center/Betty
Strong Encounter Center, Historical Railroad Museum, Mid
America Museum of Aviation
and Transportation, and Trinity Heights.
Information on each location
and special activities to get
the most out of the visit will
be featured in the booklet.
A drawing for prizes will be
held among those families
who visit a certain number
of places showcased in the
booklet. At the end of the
program, a grand prize will
be drawn for all participants,
which will feature a family
getaway weekend in Sioux
City.
MUSEUM SUMMER PROGRAMS
Reservations are required unless otherwise noted.
Museum Camps
Each camp will feature knowledgeable experts along with
hands-on activities. A snack will be provided.
Three-day camps:
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-noon
Fee: $40/member, $45/non-member
Ages 7-9 Even more camps this year!
Dinosaur Camp
June 3-5
Learn about the prehistoric life
featured in “The Big Dig.”
Cooking Camp
June 10-12
Have fun with My Plate, “brinners,”
and decorating skills.
Life in the Old West
July 15-17
Experience the lives of Native Americans,
pioneers and cowboys/girls in the rugged west.
Ages 10 & Up
Fun with Architecture
June 17-19
Take a look at historic architecture and
design the next Sioux City Corn Palace.
NASA Spaceflight Explorers Camp
July 8-10
Learn about human space exploration and more
with NASA-sponsored, STEM-based curriculum.
Hammers, Lightning Bolts & Feathered Serpents July 22-24
Uncover the mythology of the Vikings,
Ancient Greeks and Mayans.
Scholarships are available based on financial need. For details,
contact 712-279-6174 or [email protected].
Summer Classes
Ages 4-6
Experience a book through engaging activities.
Fee: $5/member, $6/non-member per session
10:30-11:30 a.m.
A Day with a Dinosaur
Down on the Farm
Construction Zone
Cowboys and Cowgirls
Tuesday, June 3
Tuesday, June 24
Tuesday, July 8
Tuesday, July 22
Ages 5-6 New for 2014
Two-day class: Wednesday & Thursday,
9:00 a.m.-noon
Fee: $25/member, $30/non-member
Prehistoric Party Discover the times of cave
paintings, mammoths, and more!
A snack will be provided.
Ages 7-10
Victorian Tea Party
June 25-26
Back by popular demand
Wednesday, June 25
*Held at the Peirce Mansion, 2901 Jackson St.
Two sessions: 10:30 a.m.-noon OR 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Come “dressed to impress” and ready to enjoy
a Victorian Tea. Learn about Victorian etiquette
and participate in some parlor games.
Fee: $5/member, $6/non-member
SAVE ON CLASSES BY BECOMING A MUSEUM MEMBER
Special offer: Save $5 on a new family membership if
you join when registering for summer classes.
MUSEUM SUMMER REGISTRATION FORM
Class sizes are limited. Payment is required to hold class reservations. Please use a separate form for each child. Registration forms must be
dropped off/mailed with payment to the Sioux City Public Museum. Make checks payable to “Sioux City Museum & Historical Association.”
Child Information Last Name_____________________________ First_________________________ Age______
Address___________________________________________ City/State/Zip______________________________
Parent Name__________________________________ Daytime Phone______________ (Cell)_______________
Email______________________________ Emergency Name/Phone____________________________________
Activity Name _______________________
_______________________ _______________________ Class Date/Time
______________
______________
______________
Fee
______
______
______
Current Museum Member? Yes
No
Add a special $25 family membership? Yes
No
Total Payment $__________
List any food allergies/medical needs ______________________________________
Refunds will only be given up to one week prior to the class date. After that, no refunds will be given except in the event of unforeseen
medical reasons or program cancellations/postponements.
Payment method:
Cash
Check
Credit Card (complete information)
Note: bottom of this form must be signed regardless of payment type.
Visa/MasterCard#____________________________ Exp. Date_________ Cardholder’s Signature_______________________
CVV Code (3-digit # on back of card)_______ Card billing address (if different from above): _____________________________
I hereby give permission for my child (or myself) to participate in the above program/activity. I will not hold the City of Sioux City, the Sioux City Public
Museum, or its appointed staff responsible in case of accident/injury or loss as a result of participation in these activities. In addition, I hereby grant the
City of Sioux City and its participants, the right to use any and all of my materials, photographs, audio, video tape or film recordings made by me on the
dates above and as long thereafter as [the City of Sioux City and its participants] may desire to use the same. Note: If participant is under the age of 18
years or less, this release must be signed by the participant’s parent or guardian.
X______________________________________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature (REQUIRED)
Date
Recent Acquisitions
Oldtimer, Lizzie the Lizard,
and the show’s host, Jim
Henry. Airing on KVTV (later
KCAU), Canyon Kid’s Korner
played to a live audience of
more than 70,000 children
from 1953 to 1985.
S
am the Serpent, a wellknown puppet from
Canyon Kid’s Korner,
joined the Museum’s collection in October 2013. Sam
was just one of many characters on the long-running
children’s television show.
Sam was often joined by the
Born and raised in Brooklyn,
New York, Jim Henry trained
at the Army Airbase in Sioux
City during World War II. After
flying 34 bombing missions
over Germany, he returned
to Sioux City. Henry helped
found the Sioux City Community Theater in 1948 while
working his day job at the
Weatherwax men’s clothing store. When KVTV (Sioux
City’s first television station)
went on air in 1952, Henry
About artifact donations
Donations of artifacts to the Sioux City Public Museum may be taken
directly to the Museum’s Research Center by using the Jackson
Street entrance during its regular operating hours or by appointment
(see back cover for details). The Museum is continuing to actively
look for artifact donations, particularly for Sioux City-made items.
Other items being sought are clothing, hats, personal papers, folk
art or crafts, and photographs.
Sioux City Museum and
Historical Association
Membership Form
was asked to develop and
host a local children’s program. Canyon Kid’s Korner
aired the following year and
was a huge success.
After Jim Henry passed away
on January 30, 2014, Sam
the Serpent and a few other
artifacts from his career were
placed on display in the
Museum’s gallery.
Website relaunched!
A new colorful format, more timely event
information, and expanded resources for
researchers are just a few of the features
of the Museum’s new and improved
website. An extensive research subject list along with visitor information
for the Museum, Welcome Center and
Peirce Mansion can all be found on the
revamped website. See what’s new by
visiting www.siouxcitymuseum.org!
As a member of the Sioux City Museum and Historical Association you will receive:
The Museum newsletter and invitations to special events for members.
Discounts on children’s classes and a 10% discount on purchases at our gift shops.
The benefits of the Time Traveler Program which include free/reduced admission
and discounts at historic sites and museums across the United States.
Membership Categories (please check one)
• Individual:
$20/year
• Supporting: $50/year
• Sr. Citizen:
$15/year
• Patron:
$100/year
• Family:
$30/year
• Benefactor: $250+/year
• Business: Starting at $100+/year
Amount Enclosed: $___________
Name(s)
Address
City
State
Phone Number
E-mail address
Make checks payable to:
Sioux City Museum and Historical Association
Zip
Credit card payments accepted by calling 712-279-6174 ext. 105
or by completing the information below:
Visa/MasterCard#_____________________________ Exp. Date_______
CVV Code (3-digit # on back of card)_______
Cardholder’s Signature________________________________________
The Sioux City Museum and Historical Association is a 501(c)(3) organization.
I would like a Museum representative to contact me regarding:
•
•
A gift of appreciated securities
•
•
A gift of other real property
A charitable trust/other planned giving instrument
The Endow Iowa Tax Credit
Please send membership form and payment to the Sioux City Museum and Historical Association • 607 4th Street • Sioux City, Iowa 51101
HOURS
Sioux City Museum & Historical Association
607 4th Street
Sioux City, IA 51101
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 87
Sioux City, IA
Sioux City Public Museum
607 4th Street
Tuesday - Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Museum Research Center
Use Jackson Street entrance
Tuesday - Friday
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday and Saturday
by appointment only
Sergeant Floyd River Museum
& Welcome Center
1000 Larsen Park Road
Daily 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION
John Peirce Mansion
2901 Jackson Street
Available for rental
Main phone # 712-279-6174
Museum Staff
Matt Anderson, Exhibit Preparator
Don Bentson, Welcome Center Custodian
Matt Chicoine, Custodian
Ron Craft, Welcome Center Custodian
Mary Green-Warnstadt, Development Coordinator
Steve Hansen, Museum Director
Dottie Johnson, Front Desk/Museum Store Assistant
Grace Linden, Curator of History
Bernetta Lopez, Museum Attendant
Connie Macfarlane, Education Coordinator
Deanna Mayo, Administrative Assistant
Kathy Meisner, Sgt. Floyd River Museum Supervisor
Tom Munson, Archival Records Clerk
Mark Simpson, Welcome Center Assistant
Theresa Weaver-Basye, Curator of Education
David Will, Custodian
Museum & Historical
Association Board Members
Terry Duzik, President, Terry Gottburg, VicePresident, Joellen Graham, Secretary, Maynard Porter,
Treasurer, Harold Canny, Rosie Chicoine, Don Duzik,
Kathy Fliginger, Russ Gondek, Greg Guelcher, Mary
Heck, Connie Macfarlane, Patrick McKeever, Marc J.
Mozak, David Nelson, Joan Schurtz, and Eric Turner.
Museum Board of Trustees
Katie Colling, Chair; Rick Mullin, Vice-Chair;
Steven Crary, Janet Flanagan, Donald M. Kingery,
Ray Krigsten, and Darold Sea.
Board Meetings
The Association typically meet at 6:30 p.m. on the
2nd Tuesday of the month; the Trustees typically
meet at noon on the 2nd Friday of the month.
Upcoming
Events
GRAND
OPENING
May 2 – 10
Experience the history
of Sioux City like never before! You are invited to
Historic Preservation
Week in Sioux City (see p. 4 for details)
celebrate the grand opening of the new Sioux City Public Museum.
Explore state-of-the-art interactive displays, engaging permanent exhibits,
rare Sioux
artifacts and so
much18,
more.10:00
Please join
us on
Thursday, May
15City
– Sunday,
May
a.m.
– this
4:00 p.m.
history-making
day
as
we
present
ÒOur
New
MuseumÓ
to
the
community.
25th Anniversary Open House
Sgt. Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center (see p. 1 for details)
Thursday, May 15, 12:05 p.m. WHO: Sioux City Public Museum
History at High Noon: River CityWHAT:
– SiouxGrand
CityOpening
and ItsCeremony
Rivers &
Ribbon Cutting
Sioux City Public Museum
WHEN:
Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: 607 4th Street
Sunday, May 18, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Sioux City History Projects Reception
Sioux City Public Museum
(see p. 3 for details)
June 3 – August 5
Children’s summer programs
See pages 5-6 for details
Space food and rocket launchers
are among the materials NASA has
provided for Museum classes.