After 10 years of service, the White Hall Museum underwent a cosmetic facelift, and the big reveal will coincide with the observance of Veterans Day at 11 a.m. Nov. 11.
The city’s annual observance of the federal holiday will start on the museum’s grounds at 9009 Dollarway Road.
The public is invited to the ceremony and can get a look at the recent renovations. The ceremony includes performances by the Pine Bluff Community Band, and guests can buy chances to win two handmade pieces in a drawing that day, said Brenda Doucey, museum director.
These include a quilt donated by Mary Ann Davis and an afghan by Linda Hurd, with the proceeds going to the Progressive Women’s Association’s (PWA) scholarship fund. Tickets are $2 each or three for $5, and will be available through Veterans Day.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
THE REASON FOR THE REVEAL
After about a decade of usage, the museum closed in mid-August and underwent renovations at a cost of approximately $20,000, said White Hall Mayor Noel Foster.
“It was long overdue … and greatly needed,” Foster said.
The museum houses the city’s and its residents’ history. It has opened its doors to thousands of guests, and is the site of annual ceremonies, including Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
The museum replaced the original structure, located directly behind it, about 10 years ago.
The facility’s interior required attention and modernization, said Jeff May, White Hall deputy mayor.
“The museum was closed to visitors, making it easier to do the renovations, which included ‘painting, new carpeting, and overhead and in-case lighting,'” May said.
The redo started in mid-August, with about 90% of the work completed by the city’s Maintenance and Public Works departments.
“Just replacing the old lights with new LED bulbs makes it easier to see the displays,” May said. “I love the new look, it is a brighter and cleaner look. The only thing we contracted was the flooring.”
By using city employees, May said they were able to minimize the costs.
“We used a contractor (for the flooring), and city employees to paint and replace bulbs, as well as to rearrange display cases and other furniture. The display space flows better and looks more modern,” he said.
The mayor is also pleased with it.
“The plan was to be done by Veterans Day,” May said.
Doucey said she is “excited” about the museum renovations and can’t wait for guests to get a look.
MUSEUM UPGRADES
Over the last three years, White Hall has upgraded its park system, which includes the White Hall Museum Park, situated on the facility’s grounds.
About two years ago, renovations were completed on the half-acre green play space, which saw the installation of six full-size and two toddler-sized swings, as well as two low-to-the-ground climbing loops and two semi-covered climbing platforms with double slides.
At that time, work also refurbishing a Union Pacific SSW 18 Cotton Belt caboose.
The caboose, the park’s most prominent feature, was completely renovated and repainted inside and out, except for the logos that are being reproduced by Autographics By Beadle at White Hall.
Like at the museum, the city’s Maintenance and Public Works departments did as much of the work and restoration to the caboose as possible, May said.
For more information about the Veterans Day observance at the White Hall Museum or to buy tickets for the drawing for the quilt and afghan, call (870) 247-9406.