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Newsletters > So much fun!
So much fun!

Mar 3, 2024

Since 2024 rolled in the historical society and museum has steadily been kept on its toes. Great things are happening in our buildings and we hope you can attend our future events!

In January Heather Johnson graced us with a presentation on her travels with her family. Heather, formerly Widolff, is a former Tampico resident whose parents still reside here and own and operate Dennis Electric. She is married to Toby Johnson- also a former resident. They have two children who attended the meeting and provided their perspectives on the family travels. It was an excellent presentation and we are so thankful for the opportunity!

Last week Dana Fellows was our guest speaker and shared of his travels to Massachusetts, California, France- and of the plans to soon travel to Cuba. His wife Jodie and daughter Rachel were also in attendance. It was another great turnout and great information and good laughs were had. Maybe a few big bursts of lightning and one Tornado warning, as well.

For our March meeting Gordon Kelm will be here highlighting his 50 years of experience with the 4-H. On deck is Cynthia Clampitt, an Illinois Humanities Road Scholar presenting on how corn has revolutionized the Midwest. We received a grant for Miss Clampitt to be here from the Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Foundation. If you could please join us for these events we would be delighted. For those who live far or not able to get here the presentations are broadcast on our Facebook Live and later posted on YouTube. To see the live broadcasts just come to the event page on our Facebook page at 6:00 p.m. and join in. If you would like to see our events posted on YouTube click this link. Feel free to subscribe as we hope to post oral histories in the future!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxbPiJA-yP___rynqFQTB_A

The society and museum acquired three new members in February. We also received donations from Bonnie Anderson for paint to redo our library portion of the museum. Donations were also received by Butch and Rita McNinch- some of their items and clippings from when they owned the Dutch Diner, Reagan collectibles, and so much more. Both Bonnie and the McNinch’s have contributed so much to our society and museum and for them we are thankful.

We also received various donations for some of the former library items we were getting rid of.

Greg Cole completed some foundation repairs and poured a new ramp into our farm building. He offered a great rate and we used money collected from two of our fundraisers from last year.

Many wonderful posts and nostalgia have flooded our Facebook page. Feel free to contribute or reminisce Tampico moments with us!

The Ronald Reagan birthday party took place February 6th and many volunteers were on hand. Joan Johnson purchased some VERY good cupcakes and packs of Jelly Belly’s. The event was well attended and tours were given.

Gary Pearson has been busy patching holes and preparing the former library addition to our museum. Jenee and a few volunteers got the room cleaned out and a few things moved around and we currently host our presentations in there until all of the painting is done.

Duane has met with some contracts to estimate repairs. We would love if anyone with grant writing experience or interest could join our team. We will be planning an outdoor work day in the near future before planting season gets here. We have some scrap in the back that needs hauled away and bushes that need pulled.

A committee has formed to begin planning for the Sesquicentennial in 2025. Our next meeting is Wednesday March 20, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. if interested.

Poll: If you no longer live in Tampico- do you plan to travel to attend our 150th celebration? What would be of interest that you would travel to see or do here?

If you have an interest in becoming a member of our society or to even volunteer for any of our projects you can send us an email at tampicoareahistory@gmail.com

If you’re interested in attending our meetings they are held the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:00. p.m. at the historical society museum. Our presentations are free and for your entertainment. We would love to have you!

TAMPICO AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY - MUSEUM - FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY/RESEARCH CENTER  119 Main St., P. O. Box 154,  Tampico, IL  61283   www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com   tampicoareahistory@gmail.com  We are an all-volunteer organization so your donations are always appreciated!  Sign up to receive our e-newsletter. Thank you!  Visit us on FACEBOOK.