Market House Museum 40th Anniversary Celebration

New Museum Plans Announced

The William Clark Market House Museum President B.J. Summers announced the museum’s plans to build a new building during a Press Conference held Friday at the museum’s 40th Anniversary Celebration kickoff at the corner of 3rd and Jefferson in downtown Paducah.

The new museum will be located at that site which is directly across the street from the National Quilt Museum.

Paducah Mayor William Paxton, McCracken County Judge Executive Van Newberry, Past President Russ Ogden and Summers unveiled a sign which will be displayed at the new location.

President B.J. SummersSummers stated, “Today as we look back and celebrate 40 years of continuous service as a history museum, we also look forward to the next 40 years…and beyond to the next century.” Summers said. “The Market House Museum was fortunate enough last year to purchase this property we’re standing on today. And in order to be an even brighter gem in Paducah’s crown, we hope to have a new building here within the next few years. A building that will be large enough and with up to date facilities enabling us to bring Paducah traveling exhibits from other historical entities around this great country including the Smithsonian.”

Summers concluded, “We envision among other new exhibits a gallery devoted to the great men and women of Paducah who made an indelible mark on the community, state, nation and world. Chief among these would have to be Vice President Alben Barkley, a great statesman in a time of turmoil for our nation. Please join us as we celebrate 40 years of service and look forward to another 140 and beyond."

Market House Museum Executive Director Penny Baucum FieldsMuseum Director Penny Baucum Fields told of the museum’s exhibits and talked about the past 40 years. “Comprehensive exhibits relating to the town’s founder, William Clark, contain rare and valuable artifacts, such as an old Paris porcelain vase given to the explorer by the Marquis de Lafayette in 1821, as well as the original platted maps and land grants of Paducah, signed by Clark himself. Or perhaps the intriguing history of Paducah’s involvement in the War Between the States would be more to your liking. Within the Museum’s walls is a valuable parlor set used by General Grant, as well as a set of chairs used by the Lincolns in the White House. Hand sewn flags as well as a Kentucky Orphan Brigade insignia collection are also on display.”

Fields said, “Exhibits relating to local industry, businesses, and prominent natives, such as Vice President Alben Barkley are a main source of enjoyment for many who want to learn more about Paducah.”

She continued, “Probably the most unusual exhibit would be the entire two story, 1877 List Drugstore’s Victorian gingerbread woodwork interior, which has been assembled within the Museum. Hand carved of white oak by immigrant craftsmen, the woodwork is a showstopper to anyone who loves beautiful things. Wonderful beveled and stained glass windows that once graced the drugstore’s façade are also on display.”

As a means of promoting Paducah’s history, school tours are conducted for area schoolchildren. She suggested that any interested teacher contact the Museum during museum hours to set up an appointment. The Museum conducts private tours for over 2500 school children during morning hours, each year.

“As a special treat, our Victorian inspired Past Times Gift Shop allows guests the chance to take home their own treasured remembrance of their visit to this wonderful facility, whether etched glass, fine reproduction porcelains, hard to find books on history, beautiful cards and stationery, as well as souvenir and novelty items,” Fields concluded.

A BBQ lunch and birthday cake were served following the press conference.

The Anniversary Celebration continued Sunday June 29th when approximately 1200 to 1500 visitors from throughout the region and various states attended a free open house at the museum located on Second Street.

Click here to see our gallery of photos from this event!

A crowd of nearly 1500 gathers to see the exhibits at the Market House Museum's open house held Sunday June 29, 2008.


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	Market House Museum 40th Anniversary Celebration New Museum Plans Announced The William Clark Market House Museum President B.J. Summers announced the museum’s plans to build a new building during a Press Conference held Friday at the museum’s 40th Anniversary Celebration kickoff at the corner of 3rd and Jefferson in downtown Paducah. The new museum will be located at that site which is directly across the street from the National Quilt Museum. Paducah Mayor William Paxton, McCracken County Judge Executive Van Newberry, Past President Russ Ogden and Summers unveiled a sign which will be displayed at the new location. President B.J. SummersSummers stated, “Today as we look back and celebrate 40 years of continuous service as a history museum, we also look forward to the next 40 years…and beyond to the next century.” Summers said. “The Market House Museum was fortunate enough last year to purchase this property we’re standing on today. And in order to be an even brighter gem in Paducah’s crown, we hope to have a new building here within the next few years. A building that will be large enough and with up to date facilities enabling us to bring Paducah traveling exhibits from other historical entities around this great country including the Smithsonian.” Summers concluded, “We envision among other new exhibits a gallery devoted to the great men and women of Paducah who made an indelible mark on the community, state, nation and world. Chief among these would have to be Vice President Alben Barkley, a great statesman in a time of turmoil for our nation. Please join us as we celebrate 40 years of service and look forward to another 140 and beyond." Market House Museum Executive Director Penny Baucum FieldsMuseum Director Penny Baucum Fields told of the museum’s exhibits and talked about the past 40 years. “Comprehensive exhibits relating to the town’s founder, William Clark, contain rare and valuable artifacts, such as an old Paris porcelain vase given to the explorer by the Marquis de Lafayette in 1821, as well as the original platted maps and land grants of Paducah, signed by Clark himself. Or perhaps the intriguing history of Paducah’s involvement in the War Between the States would be more to your liking. Within the Museum’s walls is a valuable parlor set used by General Grant, as well as a set of chairs used by the Lincolns in the White House. Hand sewn flags as well as a Kentucky Orphan Brigade insignia collection are also on display.” Fields said, “Exhibits relating to local industry, businesses, and prominent natives, such as Vice President Alben Barkley are a main source of enjoyment for many who want to learn more about Paducah.” She continued, “Probably the most unusual exhibit would be the entire two story, 1877 List Drugstore’s Victorian gingerbread woodwork interior, which has been assembled within the Museum. Hand carved of white oak by immigrant craftsmen, the woodwork is a showstopper to anyone who loves beautiful things. Wonderful beveled and stained glass windows that once graced the drugstore’s façade are also on display.” As a means of promoting Paducah’s history, school tours are conducted for area schoolchildren. She suggested that any interested teacher contact the Museum during museum hours to set up an appointment. The Museum conducts private tours for over 2500 school children during morning hours, each year. “As a special treat, our Victorian inspired Past Times Gift Shop allows guests the chance to take home their own treasured remembrance of their visit to this wonderful facility, whether etched glass, fine reproduction porcelains, hard to find books on history, beautiful cards and stationery, as well as souvenir and novelty items,” Fields concluded. A BBQ lunch and birthday cake were served following the press conference. The Anniversary Celebration continued Sunday June 29th when approximately 1200 to 1500 visitors from throughout the region and various states attended a free open house at the museum located on Second Street. Click here to see our gallery of photos from this event! A crowd of nearly 1500 gathers to see the exhibits at the Market House Museum's open house held Sunday June 29, 2008.