Before heading inside the Joplin Museum Complex, last week, we ate lunch in Schifferdecker Park.
The wind was a challenge, but we survived.
The wind was a challenge, but we survived.
Soon we headed to the historical and mineral museums.
There are some interesting sculptures and markers outside the complex.
There are some interesting sculptures and markers outside the complex.
 | Inside, students sat at tables in the museum's classroom for a presentation from the curator. We had already studied minerals months ago, so this acted as a review. Some students were really into this short lesson. Finally released into the museum, one of the most intriguing displays is the one containing jewelry and items found after the infamous police shootout with Bonnie and Clyde (pictured below). This was the last time Joplin Police lost two officers to gunshots (The most recent loss of two officers was just last month.). Many of the displays in the museum are poorly labeled and fail to tell Joplin's story. Unless you recognize the references to places like the House of Lords, these displays are little more than a collection of interesting antiques. |
| Another fascinating display, housed next to the cookie cutter collection, is one that showcases circus traditions. The miniature displays have powered animations and lights to bring them to life, reminding us that the latest Dumbo movie had the title character being born in Joplin, Missouri. In fact, the current park is built upon the former Schifferdecker Electric Park. A hundred years ago, there was a rollercoaster on the property, as well as an alligator pit, monkey house, and a Bertha Bear. It might have seemed like a circus atmosphere at times. |  |
On the way to the front of the museum, we caught a glimpse of debris from
the 2011 EF5 tornado that swept through our fair city.
the 2011 EF5 tornado that swept through our fair city.
| | On the other side of the building is a glorious display of minerals and mining equipment - mostly to showcase Joplin's mining past. Unfortunately, again, things are not labeled or explained as well as they should be. Students shot glances at the displays but had little idea about the things they saw. This is an impressive display, but it's hard for ten-year-olds to spend much time in a space that doesn't grab their attention and help them interact with the information before them. It was nice when we returned to the school and got back down to the business of learning about caves. Students had noticed a connection with our cave and the geology of the Ozarks. |
