The Old Independence Regional Museum (OIRM) will be hosting a historic foods tasting event that will highlight the various exhibits within the Museum. The event will be held on Thursday, June 30 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The food tour will include foods from the Great Depression, foods served by early settlers, and hors d’oeuvres featuring local goods and produce. The event will be held in honor of Twyla Wright and her upcoming retirement. OIRM director, Mandi Curtwright, stated, “We want people to enjoy the Museum and recognize all of the hard work Twyla has put into making it what it is. This event will allow people to see what a great job she has done in preserving much of our history.”
Twyla first began volunteering for Old Independence Regional Museum when it was just an idea brought forth by the Independence County Historical Society. She served as President of the founding board of the Museum in 1991 and when the Museum opened in 1998 she served as the Museum’s first Director then as Museum Curator. At present, she gives nearly 800 hours a year of service to the organization.
Twyla’s work and dedication has been recognized by the State of Arkansas, Department of Parks and Tourism, and Arkansas Museum Association. At the Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism, she was awarded the 2014 Henry Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. This award is presented to an individual or organization that has made a substantial contribution to Arkansas’s tourism industry through outstanding volunteer spirit. The Board of Directors, volunteers, and staff would like to invite everyone to attend the event. Tickets are $20 for members and $30 for non-members. Tickets are available via eventbrite.com or at the Museum gift shop.
