The Park Hills Missouri Community Betterment organization has been planning the museum for two years. It will be housed in the Park Hills Train Depot located on the corner of Municipal and Main across the street from the public library.

The depot currently houses the Chamber of Commerce and the Parks and Recreation Director. The museum will be located in the middle part of the building between the other two residents.

Before the City of Park Hills came into existence, it was four cities: Esther, Elvins, Rivermines, and Flat River.

In 1994, the four cities consolidated to form what is now Park Hills. But it wasn't easy, according to the Heritage Museums Chairperson, Pam Weiss. "There was a lot of longtime rivalry between the four cities and there were many failed attempts to consolidate. One of the themes of the museum will consist of the events that brought about the final vote passing the consolidation and all the controversies prior to the vote," stated Weiss.

Weiss has been working on the museum since the cities consolidated. She has sorted through boxes full of city records that date back to the late-1800s.

"We have acquired former Elvins School District records that date back to 1899," stated Weiss. "We have also received donations from citizens past and present, in the form of pictures, books, old yearbooks, St. Joe publications, and programs from social events."

The Heritage Museum is being developed to inform younger generations of what life was like back when the four cities were still divided.

"The museum will be for all of us to share. Anybody who wants to join or help us build the museum is welcome," stated Jane McDowell, the President of the Park Hills M.C.B. organization.

A brief general history of the former cities and the lead mining industry will be among the several themes of the museum. Other topics that will be exhibited will be early government, civic organizations, schools, churches, disasters and the people that made the area what it is today.

The exhibit will consist mostly of pictures, city records, various plaques, certifications and school memorabilia, according to Weiss. "We did get a donation of an old siren from a fire engine," stated Weiss.

The museum is still in the process of obtaining shelving and display cases as well as other donations.

Anyone wanting to donate items or has questions may call Pam Weiss at 431-1835 or Jane McDowell at 431-3076. The public is also invited to attend any M.C.B. meeting, which is the first Thursday of each month, at the depot at 6:30 p.m.