By Junice Dagen, Dawes County Historical Society Museum
Although, COVID has certainly had an impact on the Museum and its efforts, research requests have been high. A slow down of the researchers has been a factor but things are beginning to improve.
Once a search for information begins it seems to mushroom and one thing leads to another. Before long, the table is covered with books and files and details begin to take shape. Not all searches yield results and that is frustrating. Other times something jumps out when it is least expected. So many times a tidbit of information will appear completely out of context. It is exciting to find those little “nuggets” when searching for something else. That is why a file is kept with contact information. It may be a year later when something useful presents itself.
Because of the fractured nature of time spent on research either at the Museum or at home on the computer this year’s count of projects has been a little bit of a surprise. It seemed like little was being done when, in reality, quite a lot was.
Researchers have helped several authors with information for books that are in progress and it is so rewarding to call those people with details that fill in a blank for them. Sometimes it is information that sends them in a new direction or a new name that they were unaware of. They are always grateful for anything they can use.
The reward for the researchers is just the knowledge that help was provided to some one. The Museum does get donations from some of those people so that is a plus as well. When opportunity presents itself please spread the word that the Museum has a large research capability and encourage people to use it.