Malden Historical Museum Board President announces podcast

MALDEN, Mo. - The Malden Historical Museum (MHM) is making strides and sharing news.

MHM Board Pres. David Black on Saturday announced it is partnering with Maldenite Productions, LLC, to launch a podcast.

“This new venture will help us share stories about our museum, highlight our treasured collection, and explore the unique history of Malden through the voices of our community,” Black said.

The podcast is dependent on two actions, both of interest to Malden residents and business leaders, the board president emphasized.

Namely, stories and sponsorships.

And since podcasts are shared globally on the Internet, both would receive worldwide attention, Black noted.

“Whether you’re a long-time resident or someone with a special story about Malden, this is your opportunity to share your voice and history with the world,” Back said. “In order to ensure our podcast's success, we'll accept ideas for stories and interview people willing to talk about their experiences here at Malden.”

And sponsorships for such programming are available, he added.

“We are currently seeking sponsors to support this podcast and help us spread the word about the incredible history we preserve here,” Black said. “But most importantly, we’d love to invite guests to join us.

“Just today, a former educator here and her husband, Marilynn and Jerry Reaves, stopped by for a tour,” Black added. “They were quite taken with the collections.”

Marilynn Reaves taught school at Malden for many years and recalled a fond memory.

“I remember bringing students here for tours,” she said. “The museum's displays grew quite a bit since I was here last.

“And Jerry never has been here,” she said of her husband. “He's very impressed.”

Jerry Reaves, a Modern Woodman representative, agreed.

“This is pretty amazing,” he said. “There are displays here I think would be of interest to everyone, young and old.

“I never knew about the different rooms that bring the history of Malden to life,” he continued. “I especially enjoyed the Native American relics, the ancient Egyptian display and the local Alumni room.

Who ever would think you could come to Malden, Missouri, and see Egyptian artifacts along with high school sports teams pictures from as far back as the 1920s? It is a really an interesting place and the volunteers have done a great job.”

Of special curiosity is a World War I US Army uniform issued to a former resident whose family made positive impacts for generations, Black said.

“We've had John Bostic's World War I uniform on display for quite a while,” Black said. “But we recently discovered a photo of him wearing it with his unit that was deployed overseas.

“The Military Room's memorabilia just was enhanced with this photo,” he noted. “It's not often such a small item makes such a huge visual impact, and it's a welcome addition to our museum.”

The museum started in 1955 and continues to accept donations from residents who lived at Malden for a lifetime, just a short while, or visitors to the town, Board of Directors member Arden “Bo” Tolleson said.

“We do get some things in the mail,” Tolleson said. “And people do stop in and donate.

“Like old area maps,” he added. “Ledgers from old downtown markets and stores that people find, photos of families and servicemen and women, and just items that they might have had at home that they feel are important to the history of our town and to Malden's future. Parents are welcome to bring their kids in and just see the things that made Malden a kind of destination. Students really should stop by and take a look at Malden's past so they can understand their roots, or their family's, more completely. It's a terrific way to spend a Saturday. And we don't charge admission. It's all free.”

The Malden Historical Museum is open to the public from 10 a.m until 2 p.m. every Saturday, Black said, and guided tours are available on request.

The museum is supported entirely by donations, large and small, Black noted.

Those who are interested in participating in future podcasts and sponsorships are asked to contact the museum directly, or by emailing the museum's partner at maldenite@gmail.com.

The museum is located at 201 N. Beckwith St., Malden.

For more information, log on to maldenmuseum.com, or visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/maldenmuseum.