About Us

The Ozark County Historium is a project of the Ozark County Genealogical and Historical Society. In February 2010, the society members agreed to buy the old A.D. McDonald store building located on the west side of the square in Gainesville, the county seat of Ozark County. The building would become the home of the society and a place for meetings and exhibits relating to the history of Ozark County. In addition, the genealogy library, presently located in inadequate space in a single basement room of the Ozark County Library, would be moved into the newer, more spacious building to be known as the Historium.

The building's history goes back to the early 1900s and for many years was operated by the McDonald family as a general merchandise store. At different times it saw service as a motor parts business and a dry goods store. Most recently, the building housed a pawn shop. Much work would be required to turn the dilapidated old building into a bright, efficient space for the historical society's functions.

The Historium project has not-for-profit status as a partner of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. The project is ongoing and has been funded entirely by donations from society members and friends. Initial efforts at fundraising were successful enough to allow a down payment on the building and to begin the work of renovation, and since April the process has continued at a steady pace. Board members estimate that it will take several more months before all renovation plans for the building can be completed. The availability of funds will determine the extent to which all plans can be fulfilled.

It was determined, as much as is feasible, to return the old building to its original appearance. Outside, the first order of business was a new roof, necessary to stop the numerous leaks that were damaging the place. Also, new windows have been installed in the front and rear of the building, and repairs to the deteriorating rear masonry wall were made.

The building had to be completely rewired, and a new heating and air conditioning system was installed. New lights will better illumine the interior, replacing the few bare bulbs that originally were scattered here and there.

The interior of the Historium required a complete makeover. A dropped ceiling was removed, revealing the original vintage tin ceiling; this has been repaired and painted and is a beautiful feature, immediately noticeable upon entrance to the Historium. Cracked and crumbling plaster walls have been repaired and painted, and the addition of wainscoting made of richly stained native oak, cut and milled right here in Ozark County, is now a striking feature. The original cement floor, once covered with molded carpet and broken tiles, has been cleaned and boasts a new stained and sealed surface. All new lighting, wiring and heating and air conditioning has been installed. A handicapped-accessible bathroom will soon be completed, as will a small kitchen area, to allow for some social functions in the future.

And so, the old McDonald building is now a renovated shell, ready to be put to use. But it is simply that: a shell. Although much has been accomplished to this point, there is still much more to be done! As funds become available (thanks to generous donors like you!) the interior of the Historium will be furnished for the many uses society members envision for the space. In order to move the genealogy library, shelves, desks, table, chairs and racks of all sorts will be needed. Computer stations will allow visitors to search online for their family stories. Display panels will provide space for traveling exhibits as well as locally-generated ones. Audio-visual equipment will help in compilation and sharing of family histories. Eventually, a microfilm reader will be necessary for access to valuable county records, now unable to be viewed.

The Ozark County Historium will be an ongoing work, a continuing saga of renovation, of finding ways to best use the space to preserve and share Ozark County's rich history and heritage. Won't you be a part of the process? We invite you to join us! See the menu for information on joining the OCGHS, contributing to the renovation of the Historium and being part of this landmark effort!