Monett, MO - Amy Sampson, Jeanne Camp, and Monett High School students are collaborating to enhance the Monett Historical Museum with innovative exhibits. These displays will spotlight Monett's rich history, diversity, and the significance of education and community engagement. This initiative is transforming the museum into a dynamic and engaging educational resource.
The Monett Museum transformation is supported by the CFO Inclusion and Diversity Grant, the IRX/Fulbright Global Teacher Grant for 2024, 100+Women of Monett and Surrounding Area Grant, and the Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation Grant for 2023-2024, highlighting its dedication to fostering an inclusive and educational environment.
Fueled by a deep passion for local history, Amy Sampson successfully acquired the funding necessary to bring this project to life. By writing grants for her class, she took a proactive step towards enriching educational resources and creating opportunities for her students. This initiative was born from a vision to infuse new life into the museum, transforming it into a curated exhibition that both educates and captivates visitors.
The project strives to balance cost with quality, planning around 38 exhibits, of which 17-18 will be completed by May 2024, focused on local history, immigration, and the diverse communities that have contributed to Monett's development. A key exhibit will display a large world map, illustrating Monett's welcoming spirit for immigrants.
The involvement of local students are from four classes including Missouri Literature and Composition, SRTC Graphic Design, SRTC Construction, and the GoCaps Teacher Education strand. The students in the GO CAPS program are working on a capstone project about Monett’s educational history, a key element in this project. Their research and contributions will be integral to the new exhibits, providing fresh insights into Monett’s educational evolution.
As the project nears completion, the community is excitedly anticipating the reveal of the first phase of exhibits. Ms. Sampson is tentatively planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the spring to celebrate this achievement, highlighting the collaborative work of educators, students and the Monett community. This initiative, highlighted by Amy Sampson’s successful grant application, stands as a powerful example of how collaborative efforts can preserve and enrich our shared history through education.