Editor’s note: Morrison’s Heritage Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays through November 23, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. If you know a Morrison third grader, have them show you around.
The return of the annual October Third Grade tour of Morrison’s Heritage Museum was a delight for them, as well as three Board of Trustees members: Carole Patton, Patricia Pessman, and Stephanie Vavra. On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 72–of 75–boys and girls from Southside School walked to the building. Built in 1865 by the Congregational Church, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, by the United States Department of the Interior.
Pessman awaited the children beside a mannequin wearing Helen Volckmann’s dress and news articles about her husband, Brigadier General Russell W. Volckmann. The couple was expressly invited to a White House dinner to honor Philippine President Ferdinand (Imela) Marcos, Sr.
Teacher Jennifer Schipper schedules the tour in late October, close to Hallowe’en. That prompts Board members to offer all visitors a treat bag. The women prepared nearly 80 bags on Monday, October 27. Happy Joe’s Pizza owners Kevin and Lynn Kenady will add a free ice cream cone, to students who return their token, ie. paper, Wooden Nickel.
Three groups visited parts of the museum and rotated to complete the circuit. They were good listeners, inquisitive, and well behaved! Teachers Amber Hinrichsen, Megan Modglin, and Schipper were assisted by volunteers.
