Museum Memo

Hello from the Great Bend Museum in Ravenswood! We were founded in 1972 by the Jackson County Historical Society to share the history of our county and the Ohio River’s Great Bend region through objects, photographs, and archives. In 2020, the Historical Society entrusted the museum and its collection to the City of Ravenswood, ensuring that we can continue preserving and promoting county history for generations to come.

Just Around the Corner: The Great Bend Museum invites you to join us for the second annual Fright and Folk Lore Night on October 24 at 7 p.m. Held outdoors by the historic Sayre Log House, this evening promises a cozy yet spine-tingling experience for visitors of all ages. Gather around as storytellers share spooky tales and local legends passed down through generations. While you listen, enjoy complimentary popcorn, freshly baked cookies, and warm apple cider to keep you comfortable on a crisp autumn night. Come dressed in your best costume and bring your carved Jack-O’-Lantern for a chance to win exciting prizes! This family-friendly event is free and open to the community, offering a perfect way to celebrate the season, connect with neighbors, and explore the rich folklore that shapes our region. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a growing tradition at the Great Bend Museum.

Object Stories: This small watercolor, painted by a young Edna McFarland, captures her early vision of the Great Bend. Using soft pastels, she created a vivid, imagined landscape that reflects her emerging sense of place and creativity. Her father, David Homer McFarland, was a well-known painter in Jackson County, remembered for his landscapes, portraits, and philosophical conversations around town. Before he married, he traveled by bicycle through nearly 40 states, painting along the way to support himself. Though he painted frequently, McFarland rarely earned much from his work. He often sold paintings for very little or traded them for basic needs. Later, he supported his family by painting houses and repairing furniture, taking on art commissions when he could. After the loss of his wife, he continued to raise his children under difficult circumstances. Their home was filled with books, magazines, and creative energy, and Edna grew up surrounded by both art and resourcefulness. Today, her painting hangs beside one of her father’s, a quiet reflection of a shared creative thread that connects their work across time.

Director’s Desk: I’ve always found comfort in surrounding myself with art, not grand gallery pieces, but everyday works that tell a story. In my apartment, a wall filled with photos, thrifted prints, and a few drawings my dad made while studying art quietly reflects who I am and where I come from. Together, these pieces form a visual narrative of my life and the people I hold dear.

That idea of storytelling through art is what I see in the two McFarland paintings hanging side by side at the museum. Edna’s delicate watercolor reveals the fresh curiosity of a young artist, while her father’s work shows the strength and experience gained over years of creating under challenging circumstances. Together, their paintings feel like a quiet conversation across generations, linked by creativity and family, yet each with its own voice.

Like my collection and the McFarland paintings, paper-based artworks are fragile and need thoughtful care to last. If you have drawings, watercolors, or prints at home, here are some simple tips to protect them physically.

Avoid direct sunlight. UV rays fade colors and make paper brittle. Use UV-filtering glass or acrylic when framing and hang art where it won’t be exposed to bright light.

Keep artwork away from extreme humidity and temperature changes. Basements and attics may seem handy, but they’re often too damp or hot, which can cause mold, warping, or staining. Store or display pieces in stable, climate-controlled areas.

For unframed art, use acid-free folders, envelopes, or archival boxes. Avoid regular cardboard and plastic sleeves, which can trap moisture or leach chemicals. When stacking, place acid-free tissue paper between pieces to prevent sticking or damage.

Never attach art to walls with tape, tacks, or glue, and avoid laminating original works, as lamination causes irreversible damage.

When in doubt, consult a professional framer who uses archival materials. In the past, the museum has relied on Mountain Heritage Frame LLC for acid-free mounting and framing, and we are happy to guide you toward proper care.

Preserving art takes intention, but with the proper care, even the most delicate pieces can continue to tell their stories for generations.

The Great Bend Museum, 220 Riverfront Park in Ravenswood, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Follow on Facebook, visit www.cityofravenswood.com/museum, call 304-273-1999, or email us at museum@cityofravenswood.com.