MUNCIE, Ind. — One year ago, Muncie Public Library was awarded the $10,000 impact grant from Tri Kappa. Not only does this grant pay for preserving artifacts, but it also pays for traveling story panels. The library had to apply to receive the grant.
“When we were viewing the application and so forth, it fit with us you know, with what we do perfectly,” Tri Kappa Treasurer, Debbie Williams, said.
Although the grant was presented to them one year ago, they chose to announce it ahead of their 150th anniversary. The grant is being used primarily to package and store 3D artifacts from all around Muncie and Delaware County.
“If we don't preserve our history, we lose a sense of who we are, we lose ourselves as a community. You know, history is how we learn to empathize with others by learning about people in our community who may be different from ourselves,” Muncie Public Library Archivist, Sara McKinley, explained.
The exhibit holds many artifacts, from coins and buttons to local souvenirs and even a painting of an artist that is seen right here on campus. Some of these artifacts are over 40 years old.
“We have a framed photograph that we have of Susan Ryan Marsh and her family. She was a local artist here in Muncie. She was a great artist and one of Muncie’s notable women,” McKinley said.
Not only is the Muncie Public Library receiving a grant to preserve the artifacts, but they are also receiving a grant to preserve the historical Carnegie Library building. To visit these panels in person, you can go to any of the four branches of the public library, or you can see the display on their website.
Contact Abby Urban with comments at abigail.urban@bsu.edu.
