“Making History” was the theme of the Pioneer Museum of Alabama’s benefit dinner and silent auction at the museum’s Village Center Saturday night.

A large number of friends of the museum attended in support of the museum and its children’s programs.

“At the Pioneer Museum of Alabama, we believe that programming for children is vital to the continuing success of our museum – of any museum,” said Kari Barley, museum executive director. “Our Pioneer Days in early October has a special day for students that features hands-on activities. But some schools have difficulty in busing their students to the museum. If we can’t get the children here; then they can’t learn. So, we offer ‘scholarships’ to these schools to assist with the expenses related to busing the students. The funds raised at ‘Making History’ will support our bus scholarship program.”

The dollars raised will also support other museum programs for children, including summer pioneer camp and Spring Plantin’ Day and Ole Time Christmas, both of which have special events and activities for children.

“We have several new programs planned for children in the coming year,” Barley said.

Those who attended “Making History” also had an opportunity to select a gift from the museum’s Giving Tree.

“Supporters could pick a program off the tree that they are especially interested in,” Barley said. “A $100 gift to the museum would purchase a rocking chair for the porch. There are gifts to support the museum’s gardens. One gift would help restore the museum’s billboards on Highway 231. Another would help with a playground area for children.”

Barley said the museum offers many opportunities for the community to be involved in its programming and with projects on the grounds.

“We appreciate all of those who support the Pioneer Museum of Alabama in so many ways,” Barley said. “And, I can’t say enough about those who support the museum with their attendance. We are not a static museum. We are constantly changing things and trying new ideas and offering new programs. There’s always something new to experience and something new to learn.”

Barley said Curren and Margaret Farmer founded the Pioneer Museum in 1971 with the mission “that others might learn from the past.”

“That is still our mission,” she said. “We invite everyone to be a part of Making History and keeping it alive for future generations.”