VIENNA — The Historical Society of Maries County is celebrating a monumental year of preservation, expansion and community support, as it continues its mission to safeguard and share the rich history of the region. It is now November, and the HSMC shows no signs of slowing down. From preserving rare newspaper collections to planning a major renovation of the Maries County Building, the Society is moving full steam ahead, according to Director Lisa Jones.

This past summer brought  the first step and a milestone moment for the Society’s archival efforts when Nichoel Snodgrass, former editor of the Maries County Gazette, generously donated a bound collection of old Maries County Gazettes editions along with the available partial collection of Belle Banners, Newspapers before The Advocate came into place.

These newspapers, some dating back to the very late 1800s, represent the only full collection in existence and fill hundreds of weeks of historical gaps that were previously inaccessible. While the Society had long maintained a patchwork archive, assembled from decades of donations from community members who stored newspapers in barns, attics and sheds, hundreds of weekly editions had been missing. With Snodgrass’s donation, researchers can now access news stories, court cases, social events, marriage announcements and high school athletic achievements previously thought lost to time. Any age-old arguments about whether someone scored this many points in a game can now be decided once and for all because of these historical documents. 

The value of this collection is immeasurable. Imagine uncovering a 1956 high school basketball game in which your grandfather scored double digits, or reading about local court cases from the 1930s, or social happenings spanning the entirety of the 20th century. These newspapers, once unavailable, are now preserved for public research, education and enjoyment.

Ensuring the long-term preservation of these irreplaceable tomes required careful planning. Unlike modern books, newspapers must be stored flat to prevent deterioration. This necessitated specialized shelving, prompting the Society to request support from the Richard S. Brownlee Missouri Local History Grant, sponsored by the State Historical Society of Missouri. The Society was awarded $500 to purchase the shelving needed for proper storage. In accordance with grant guidelines, the shelving will be purchased after November 1, 2025, over the winter months. Board members will take inventory of the newly donated newspapers, perform any needed repairs and place them on the new shelves before the expected completion date which is set to be complete by this coming Spring.

The Society is also pursuing additional support from the Secretary of State’s Office and the Historical Society of the State of Missouri to digitally scan the newspaper collection. Once complete, the full archive will be permanently accessible to the public, safeguarding Maries County’s history for future generations and ensuring that this priceless collection is never lost again.

“This donation is truly priceless, as it represents the only complete collection of Maries County Gazette newspapers in existence,” Jones said. “It is essential these newspapers are properly stored in the Research Room, and these funds will ensure the proper shelving can be procured for that purpose. We are very thankful to the Richard S. Brownlee review committee for approving our request for funding.”

While the newspaper collection preserves Maries County’s past, the Society is simultaneously preparing for a major enhancement of its present and future. In the summer of 1989, the Maries County Building was purchased through the generosity of the local community, establishing a home for the Historical Society’s growing collection of artifacts, documents and displays. Over the decades, the Society has continued to receive a steady stream of donations, so many, in fact, that space has become a significant challenge.

Lori Hayes, another board member, announced plans for an exciting renovation and expansion project to address this need.

“Over the coming months, we’ll begin an exciting renovation project to expand and enhance the Maries County Building,” Hayes said. “As part of this effort, we’ll be removing the existing storage section and extending the building an additional 15 feet. This expansion will create valuable space to showcase even more of Maries County’s rich history and heritage.”

The addition will be fully accessible from inside the existing building, providing visitors with a seamless experience as they explore new exhibits. Interior lighting will also be upgraded throughout the current space, highlighting displays more effectively and enhancing the overall experience for visitors. This combination of interior and exterior improvements ensures that the Society’s growing collection can be displayed safely and attractively, while making the building more welcoming and navigable for all patrons.

Hayes emphasized that the project would not have been possible without the generosity of the community.

“This project has been made possible by years of generous donations and the tireless work of our members,” Hayes said. “We’re incredibly grateful for this support.”

The Historical Society of Maries County continues to invite the public to contribute to this renovation and other initiatives. Every gift helps preserve the legacy of Maries County, ensuring that the stories, events, and memories of the region remain accessible and inspiring for generations to come.