DATE: 9 January 2008
CONTACT: Stephanie Turnham
PHONE: 254.933.5243

WILL YOU BE MINE?  NEW EXHIBIT OPENS AT BELL COUNTY MUSEUM

The Bell County Museum's new exhibit, "Will You Be Mine? A Guide to Weddings and Other Romantic Traditions," opens on Thursday, February 14, 2008.  The exhibition, created by Museum Curator Amanda Dyer, will remain on view through July 26, 2008.

In discussing the exhibition, Dyer said " Almost everyone has been to a wedding, gone on a date, or received a valentine.  But many today can hardly relate to the dating and marriage rituals of their grandparents, and can scarcely imagine those of 100 years ago or more."  The exhibit will include information about the origins of courtship and wedding rituals, and artifacts from the museum collection will be presented.

"We are fortunate to have a remarkable collection of clothing and other materials that will be exhibited to trace the customs and origins of western romance," Dyer said.  Objects include the 1903 wedding ensemble of Mrs. Raleigh White, Jr. (Annie May Campbell) as well as the official portrait of the wedding party.  Also included is a collection of letters documenting the courtship of Edna Spencer and A.G. Vick that date from 1901 until 1902, as well as Miss Spencer's 1902 wedding ensemble to Mr. Vick and their wedding portrait.  An 1874 beige satin wedding dress worn by Amarillis Schellhous, donated by Betty Anderson Goolsby, as well as the bridesmaid's dress which is lilac silk, will also be on view.

The exhibit will also feature a special collection of valentines on loan from Marilyn and Robert Gardner.

Many interactive areas will also be in the exhibit.  "We want museum visitors to enjoy the exhibit as well as learn from it," said Kristen Williams, program coordinator at the museum.  "We will have a station where visitors can learn the romantic language of the fan and the meaning of flowers, make their own love letters, discover the history of etiquette, and more."

The museum will celebrate the opening with a public reception on Saturday, February 16, 2008, from noon until 5 p.m.  Visitors will be able to make their own fans, practice writing a love letter using calligraphy, and make their own "hope chest."  Refreshments will be served.

Museum hours are noon until 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.  Admission is free and guided tours are available.  For more information about the exhibit, call Museum Director Stephanie Turnham at 254.933.5243.