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Night at the Museum will be 6-9 p.m. at the Heritage Center of Clark County. Pre-paid reservations are required for admission.
The event is sponsored by the Clark County Historical Society and George Rogers Clark Heritage Assn.
Nellie Becker was one of the survivors when Titanic hit an iceberg in 1912. A Springfield native who graduated from Wittenberg University, Becker and her four children made it out in a lifeboat with an incredible story to tell.
An actress will take on Becker and give a detailed account to a reporter for the guests.
Following the tour, Titanic memorabilia from local collector Linda Katon will be on display including replica dishes, a captain’s hat and menus.
“We try to make something different every year,” said Pam Cottrell, one of the event organizers. “We could do something different every year and not run out of things for years.”
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The Heritage Center’s galleries will come alive as visitors can meet everyone from President and Mrs. Teddy Roosevelt to local legendary figures including actress Lillian Gish, theatrical talent manager Gus Sun and 4-H founder A.B. Graham.
Fair at New Boston favorites also come to life such as Chief Blackhoof and the Ratcatcher.
Others from historical periods of Springfield and Clark County will be represented from ladies in hoop skirts to farmers in denim. Uniformed soldiers from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War to the modern day will tell how they helped shape the country we live in today.
Several local historical groups collaborate to make the event happen. Tours conclude with a special reception including refreshments and live entertainment.
Heritage Center education and program director Ardath Dellapina is a former history teacher and said Night at the Museum is the type of event she’d want to take her family to as it’s designed for all ages.
It has been well attended and people always question her when the event will return.
“There’s always an element of surprise and it’s comforting knowing we have something people are appreciative of,” Dellapina said. “It’s also an overview of our museum, a way we can introduce it to the community.”
Tours begin at 10-minute intervals from 6-9 and will last approximately 50 minutes. Visitors will be assigned a time upon purchasing tickets and should arrive 20 minutes before their tour.
Adult admission is $12 and children under 18 admission is $5. For reservations, call 937-0657 or go to www.heritagecenter.us.
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