EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (November 6, 2025) — The Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives hosted its annual benefit dinner Thursday, November 6, at Flanders Hall in downtown Excelsior Springs. This year’s theme, “Dreamers and Doers: 1880s–1930s,” paid tribute to the early visionaries who helped shape the town’s reputation as a mineral water healing resort. The evening featured a video presentation by Jason Cole highlighting the lives and accomplishments of these pioneers.
Recognizing Donors and New Leadership
Vice President Daryl Couts served as emcee, opening the program by acknowledging the Museum’s many supporters. Special recognition was given to members of the Maurer Foundation, who were invited to stand and be recognized. The Foundation, established in 2006 by Mary Katherine Maurer Dixon Martz, has played a key role in funding major capital improvements for the Museum—including shelving, UV-protective window film, and the new patio garden. Next year, its support will help with the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall project and renovations to the Museum’s front entrance.
Couts also welcomed new board members Jeff Allen, Jody Pasalich, and Cindy Spellman, and thanked outgoing members Kerrie Amos, Deb Foster, and Earl Humphreys for their service. Two beloved members of the Museum community, Delores Thompson Bush and James McCubbin, were also recognized for their dedication and contributions.
Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Coming in 2026
Board member Earl Humphreys shared updates on plans for the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, which will visit Excelsior Springs in September 2026. The Wall will be displayed at Piburn Field downtown, and volunteers will be needed to help with setup and operations. The Museum is collaborating with the Patriot Guard Riders, local veterans, and the Excelsior Springs Police Department to ensure a dignified and memorable event. During the Wall’s stay, Museum hours will extend from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and admission will be free for all military members, veterans, and their families.
A companion exhibit titled “Not Forgotten” is also in development to honor local veterans and their families. The exhibit will debut when the Museum reopens in February following its winter break.
A Year of Growth and Community Connection
This year marked the completion of the Museum’s new patio space, made possible through city grants and Maurer Foundation support. The addition offers a welcoming venue for public and private gatherings, further strengthening the Museum’s connection with the community. Plans are already underway for improvements to the Museum’s front entrance in 2026.
Throughout the summer, the Museum participated in local events such as Shop Local Late and hosted live music performances. Its educational outreach has continued to expand, with more student groups, genealogists, and civic organizations visiting for tours and research. Online engagement has grown as well, with regular updates and history features posted on Facebook and the Museum’s blog. Behind the scenes, volunteers continue the meticulous task of scanning and transcribing thousands of historic documents and photographs, ensuring Excelsior Springs’ rich history remains accessible.
Volunteers of the Year: Preserving 450,000 Local Stories
Museum Director Kathy Duncan presented this year’s Volunteer of the Year Awards to Linda McCollum and Cindy Spellman, honoring their extraordinary dedication to preserving Excelsior Springs’ historical records.
“These two volunteers are key links in making all those archival documents findable and researchable,” Duncan said. “Through their efforts, we’re opening doors to our history that many of us never thought could be found again.”
McCollum has transcribed 20 volumes of Hope Funeral Home day registers, adding more than 15,000 names to the Museum’s Master Index—each one representing a piece of the community’s collective memory. Spellman has focused on city directories and phone books dating back to 1903, helping the Museum trace who lived and worked along the city’s streets over time.
Their combined work feeds into the Museum’s ever-growing Master Index, which now includes over 450,000 names—a living memorial to the people who built Excelsior Springs.
McCollum, who joined the Museum board in 2024, continues her service alongside Spellman, who will officially join the board in January.
Continuing the Legacy
As the evening concluded, Museum Director Kathy Duncan expressed her gratitude to the community for its ongoing support and encouraged residents to stay engaged with local history.
“Every donation, every volunteer hour, every story shared helps us keep Excelsior Springs’ history alive,” Duncan said. “As we move into the holidays and prepare for another year of preservation and progress, we invite everyone to visit, get involved, and help us continue telling the story of our town.”
The Museum will reopen in February after its winter break, offering new exhibits, expanded archives, and opportunities for the public to explore the legacy of Excelsior Springs’ “dreamers and doers.”
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