CALICO ROCK — Gloriaann Gushue, executive director of the Calico Rock Museum Foundation, was surprised when she opened the museum’s mail on Oct. 14.
When she opened an envelope from Harps Food Stores, she wasn’t expecting what she saw — a $500 check made out to the museum to use to help pay a debt the foundation has had for five years.
“[Harps] has always been a very big supporter of the museum,” Gushue said. “They always donate drinks and things of that nature [for events].”
Gushue said the foundation purchased the E.N. Rand Building on Main Street in Calico Rock in 2010 and began an extensive renovation project on the building.
Last month, the city of Calico Rock conveyed the Bluff City Bank building to the museum, according to a news release from the foundation. The building, which is next door to the museum, also needs significant restoration.
“[The $500] will help complete the building campaign that started out five years ago,” she said. “We had a debt of $80,000.”
Gushue said that with donations received over the years, and with the recent check from Harps, the debt is now $6,000.
“We would like to have that out of the way,” she said. “We’re really trying to get this totally finished off.”
Though there is no time limit on raising the remaining funds, Gushue said, it would be nice to have the debt paid off in full.
According to the museum’s website, the museum’s goal is to preserve, display and interpret works of art and historical pieces that build a bridge of culture and understanding.
“[The museum] is important to make sure people know the town’s history and that we have a storage place for our artifacts,” Gushue said.
Harps Food Store has challenged other donors to give to the campaign in any amount, she said.
“They are challenging people to complete [the $6,000],” Gushue said.
The museum’s website states that artifacts housed in the building range from prehistory to 1967, and the collection includes artifacts historically and culturally significant to the city and the surrounding region.
To make a donation, send a check or money order to the Calico Rock Museum Foundation, 104 Main St., Calico Rock, AR 72519.
All donations to the museum are tax-deductible. More information about the museum is available by calling (870) 297-6100.
Staff writer Lisa Burnett can be reached at (501) 244-4307 or lburnett@arkansasonline.com.