Sen. Wendell Mitchell called the grant funds made to the Pioneer Museum of Alabama on Friday “small.” However, to Jerry Peak, museum director, and the members of the board of directors, it was very generous and greatly appreciated.

Mitchell, D-Luverne, presented a $5,000 community service grant to the museum with the hope that he will be able to assist in securing other funding for the educational programs at the museum.

“Five thousand dollars will go a long way in supporting the operation of the museum and also in assisting with the development of an in-school program that we are hoping to implement,” Peak said. “Sen. Mitchell understands the important role of the Pioneer Museum of Alabama and we greatly appreciate his support.”

Mitchell is a longtime supporter of the museum, which attracts locals and tourists year round.

“I am proud to be able to provide continued support to the museum because it plays such an important role in the preservation of the history of, not only Pike County, but of the entire state,” said Mitchell, who was able to provide funding for a “peg or two” in the Poole Covered Bridge that is now a county landmark.

The Pioneer Museum of Alabama provides educational opportunities for hundreds of students every year. Each fall, Pioneer Days alone brings about 800 students to the museum for a day of hands-on history learning.

“That is a great educational experience for these young people,” Mitchell said. “The director, his staff and the board are doing an outstanding job here and I am proud to be, in a small way, a part of what the museum offers.”

Jeff Kervin, board president, expressed appreciation to Mitchell for his support and for helping to provide opportunities of learning for students and adults as well.