Stone County Historical/Genealogical Society receives $400 grant for archival project

The Stone County Historical/Genealogical Society and Museum in Crane has been awarded a $400 grant through the Missouri State Genealogical Association’s (MoSGA) 21st Century Fund Grant Program.

The grant will help the Stone County Historical/Genealogical Society improve the way its genealogical and historical materials are organized, preserved and accessed by researchers and community members.

The 21st Century Fund was established by MoSGA in 2005 to promote the preservation and publication of Missouri genealogical data. Grants are awarded to Missouri genealogical societies, historical societies, libraries and archives for projects that help identify, compile, record, index or preserve non-governmental records.

For the Stone County Historical/Genealogical Society, the funding will support the implementation of a structured archival system using PastPerfect 5.0 desktop software. The software will allow the organization to catalog and index its genealogical materials, creating a more organized system for managing the collection.

The project will also include improvements to the physical filing system. Existing binders will be replaced with end-tab file folders and labeled vertical filing systems. According to the society, the changes will improve access to materials while helping reduce wear on the historical records.

Once the collection is more thoroughly organized and cataloged, digitization efforts will make it easier for researchers to search materials by surname, location and subject.

The Stone County Historical/Genealogical Society and Museum is located at 117 Main Street on historic Main Street in Crane. The museum houses local artifacts, photographs, historical materials and genealogical records, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn more about Stone County’s past.

The museum also serves as a National Park Service Trail of Tears interpretive center. Visitors can find maps, videos and information about certified Trail of Tears routes, adding another important historical resource to the museum’s offerings.

The grant represents an investment not only in the society’s current collection, but also in preserving local history for future generations. Organizing and protecting genealogical records can help families researching their ancestors while making Stone County’s history more accessible to students, researchers and community members.

The Stone County Historical/Genealogical Society expressed appreciation for the support and for the volunteers who continue to dedicate their time to preserving local history.

As the society begins its 21st Century Fund project, the new archival system will provide a foundation for better organization, preservation and research access for years to come.