It's Membership Time!
It's Membership Time!
Embedded Files
It's once again time to renew your membership! Ralls County Historical Society runs entirely on donations, and your support is greatly appreciated. You can click the PayPal button to the right to pay online, or you can mail your membership dues to Ralls County Historical Society, PO Box 463, Perry, MO 63462. Again, thank you!
Brad Stinson Shares Ralls County Through His Lens
Brad Stinson Shares Ralls County Through His Lens
Brad Stinson was the guest speaker following the Ralls County Historical Society’s monthly meeting on August 20, 2025, at Perry City Hall.
A longtime resident of Ralls County since 1974, Stinson served as Ralls County Sheriff from 2020 to 2024. During his time in office, he often carried his camera while traveling the county, capturing images of churches, farms, barns, wildlife, creeks, and the rolling scenery that makes Ralls County unique. At the meeting, he shared a collection of these photographs, many of which were taken with his personal drone, offering breathtaking aerial perspectives.
His presentation featured sunrises and sunsets over rustic barns and historic churches, wildlife in motion, and the many waterways that wind through the county. Stinson reflected on how much he enjoyed serving as sheriff, particularly the conversations he shared with Ralls County residents. Growing up as a pastor’s son, he found special meaning in photographing local churches.
The Ralls County Historical Society extends its thanks to Brad for sharing his photographs and reminding us all of the beauty that surrounds us here at home.
Minutes from August 20, 2025, RCHS Meeting
Minutes from August 20, 2025, RCHS Meeting
Ralls County Historical Society Minutes
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
10:00 a.m.
Perry City Hall
Perry, MO
Ron Leake, Delores Woodhurst, Carolyn Trower, Jeanie Gay, Brad Stinson, Ann Guymon, Barry Zbornik, Jim Gay, Ben Akers, Susan Bedford, Patty Tinsley, Bill Dexheimer, and Andrew Bartison attended the August meeting of Ralls County Historical Society on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Perry City Hall.
Project Updates:
2025 Membership Drive: Membership runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. A postcard was sent to current and former RCHS members, and memberships continue to come in steadily. Memberships are noted on the financial pages accompanying these minutes. Membership dues enable RCHS to continue preserving, celebrating, and honoring our county’s rich history, and we are very thankful for the individuals, families, and businesses that continue to support our work.
PayPal, Venmo, and Online Funds: The PayPal account has been established, and four memberships have been paid for through the online service.
Perry Brochure Request: Lan Blanchard talked with Delores about RCHS’s interest in joining a group of Perry businesses to develop a brochure to promote Perry. A discussion was held, and the consensus is that, currently, funds do not allow for participation in this brochure. Jeanie Gay made a motion not to participate in a Perry brochure request. Patty Tinley seconded. Motion passed.
Cemetery Update: Sandie Storm has shared with Delores that she is no longer able to continue her volunteer work with RCHS in cemetery projects. We are so grateful for the many hours of time, care, and talent Sandie has dedicated to RCHS. Her efforts have made a lasting impact, and we truly appreciate all she has given to help preserve and honor our county’s history.
Fort Mason Project: Bill Dexheimer shared that he continues to work on two aspects of this project, which include securing the lots around the monument and planning a dedication ceremony. Bill shared ideas for the dedication ceremony, including a possible War of 1812 reenactment..
Center Depot: Farmer’s Market continues to be held near the depot in Center each Friday. Delores is working on a curriculum that will allow students to tour the facility and learn more about railroads, and specifically, the Short Line. The initial focus of the curriculum will be on second graders.
Missouri Mule Museum: Jeanie Gay shared that the Missouri Mule Museum (MMM) remains open to the public for the rest of the summer on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The museum is located at 114 East Main Street in Perry (the former Western Auto building). The museum showcases the history of our state animal, the Missouri Mule, and its role in the history of our county, state, and nation. RCHS’s Library is also located within the Missouri Mule Museum.
Moving Library to MMM: RCHS is no longer renting space from Tony Elam for its library. The Library is now located in the Missouri Mule Museum. RCHS’s Library contains numerous family files; a collection of genealogical information from Maryland, Kentucky, and Virginia; cemetery records; general genealogical research resources; and other information to assist patrons as they research Ralls County families and history.
Volunteers Needed: A calendar was again shared. Volunteers are needed to staff the museum in Perry or the depot in Center to keep them open to the public.
Perry Bank Restoration: Patty Tinsley shared that she is working on grading the area around the bank to ensure the building remains safe from the elements.
Ralls County Seal Design Contest: Submissions will be shared at the September meeting, and plans for voting will be established.
Preserving County Documents and other artifacts: No update.
Current Research Requests: Tim Oar interviewed Ron for his station’s PBS documentary about Missouri Counties. Mary Lou Montgomery will be writing some articles on the current projects of RCHS.
Ongoing Projects
Adult History Preservation: No new interviews have been completed. If anyone would like to conduct interviews with a senior citizen or be interviewed, please contact Delores Woodhurst or Carolyn Trower.
John Ralls Donation: Documents from the donation are being transcribed. Transcribed documents can be found at RCHS’s website: https://www.rallscohistoricalsociety.com/research-spotlight/john-ralls-documents.
Calendar: Delores will proceed with creating a 2026 calendar for RCHS. The calendar will be sold to cover costs associated with the project and generate funds for RCHS.
Payment of Bills with Receipts: No bills or receipts were presented.
Financial Information as of 7/31/2025: Ending balance $48,468.19
President’s Update: Ron expressed his appreciation for the attendance at the monthly meetings and the continued support of the Historical Society. He encourages anyone with an interest in Ralls County to continue to seek opportunities to be involved with the historical society.
Public Outreach Opportunities
RCHS’s 50th anniversary will be in January 2026
August 22, 2025: Area Historical Society Meeting at Audrain County Historical Society, 10:00 a.m.
August 23, 2025: Oak Hill School Gathering, 6:30 p.m. A meal is served on a free-will donation basis, accompanied by music. The public is welcome to attend. Perry All Town Garage Sales (August 29-30, 2025)
August 24, 2025: ILASCO Holy Chapel Mass, 9:00 a.m.
September 17, 2025: RCHS Meeting, 10:00 a.m., Perry City Hall
September 18, 2025: IAHPS Research Center & Archival Library Ribbon Cutting, 10998 Ilasco Drive, Hannibal, 4:30 p.m.
September 27, 2025: Oak Hill School Gathering, 6:30 p.m. A meal is served on a free-will donation basis, accompanied by music. The public is welcome to attend.
September 28, 2025: ILASCO Holy Chapel Mass, 9:00 a.m.
October 15, 2025: RCHS Meeting, 10:00 a.m., Perry City Hall
October 25, 2025: Oak Hill School Gathering, 6:30 p.m. A meal is served on a free-will donation basis, accompanied by music. The public is welcome to attend.
October 26, 2025: ILASCO Holy Chapel Mass, 9:00 a.m.
Executive Committee (14 members): The blank spots below indicate vacancies on our executive committee that need to be filled. If you are interested in serving as a representative on the executive committee, please contact Delores Woodhurst at 573-248-7445 or via email at dvwoodhurst@gmail.com.
Officers (4)
President: Ron Leake
Vice-President: Delores Woodhurst
Secretary: Carolyn Trower
Treasurer: Jeanie Gay
Directors (10)
Center Township: Jan Golian
Spencer Township: Gina Jameson
Salt River Township: Cindy Lynn
Jasper Township: Lola McDonald
Saline Township: NEEDED
Clay Township: NEEDED
Saverton Township: Bill Dexheimer
Perry: Sandie Storm
Center: Mary Jackson
New London: Brad Stinson
Next Meeting: RCHS's next meeting will be on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Perry City Hall. The meeting adjourned at 10:37 a.m. Following the meeting, Brad Stinson shared stories and photography from his time as the Ralls County Sheriff.
Schneider Presents to RCHS
Schneider Presents to RCHS
Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum Shares Exciting Updates at Ralls County Historical Society Meeting
Mark Schneider, Development and Marketing Manager for The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, was the guest speaker following Ralls County Historical Society’s monthly meeting on June 18, 2025, at Perry City Hall. Schneider, whose background includes more than two decades in local media, shared a variety of initiatives designed to engage the public with the life and legacy of Mark Twain. He also shared developing and marketing techniques that other agencies can use to build their audience.
Schneider spoke about James, a 2024 novel by Percival Everett that reimagines Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective. He also touched on Making the Mark, a gallery program showcasing regional talent, and Spirits and Sarcasm, an event that combines Mark Twain’s love of whiskey and his sarcastic sense of humor.
A highly anticipated event at The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum is the June 29, 2025, book signing by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow, whose latest biography, Mark Twain, has generated considerable excitement. Chernow is the author of several books, including Alexander Hamilton, which was later turned into the Hamilton musical. Tickets for the program sold out quickly, underscoring strong community interest. CBS Sunday Morning recently filmed a feature on Chernow’s upcoming visit, interviewing Mark Twain performer Jim Waddell and local youth ambassadors Tom and Becky. The segment is expected to air in July.
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home, built in 1844 and undergoing restoration since 1912, remains a cultural cornerstone in Hannibal. The museum hosts events throughout the year, including the popular Music Under the Stars Concert Series, which is held on the campus of The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in downtown Hannibal each Thursday evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m. during the summer. On July 24, Candace Ivory will perform. Ivory is an internationally acclaimed vocalist and Missouri Arts Council–approved touring artist known as the "Queen of Avant Soul." Ivory’s latest project is a tribute to blues legend Memphis Minnie, and her performance is expected to draw locals and tourists alike.
Schneider emphasized the power of storytelling in history and marketing. “People respond to stories,” he said. “They want to know why something matters, not just how old it is or how much it cost.” He encouraged local historical organizations to collaborate, focus on meaningful narratives, and identify their target audiences to build engagement.
The Ralls County Historical Society (RCHS) strives to “preserve, celebrate, and honor” the history and people of Ralls County. RCHS’s next meeting is Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Perry City Hall, and the public is invited to attend. A guest speaker will again present a program at 11:00 a.m. To become a member or learn more, visit RCHS on Facebook (Ralls County Missouri Historical Society) or their webpage (rallscohistoricalsociety.com), or contact Delores Woodhurst (573-248-7445 or dvwoodhurst@gmail.com).
Photo Byline: RCHS member Sandie Storm enjoyed the program presented by Mark Schneider, Development & Marketing Manager for The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum on June 18, 2025.
RCHS member Sandie Storm enjoyed the program presented by Mark Schneider, Development & Marketing Manager for The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum on June 18, 2025.
Lasagna Supper 2023 a Success
Lasagna Supper 2023 a Success
Thanks to the support of the entire county, the Ralls County Historical Society’s lasagna supper fundraiser was a success. This was an opportunity for those in attendance to renew or begin their membership to the Historical Society.
After supper, Ron Leake, president of the Historical Society, shared an overview of projects that the Historical Society is currently working on. After thanking the many volunteers and donors that worked to make the event a success, Ron handed the program over to John Wallace to begin the auction.
These amazing ladies were some of the individuals that baked the donated food and served it at the 2023 Lasagna Supper.
Thank you to the following individuals for their contributions to the auction:
Bill and Judy Heim, East Edge Express
Debbie Hodges
Tara Comer, Ralls County Collector
Ralls County Groovy Gardeners Master Gardener Group
Richard and Janet Berry
Linda Hodges
Michelle Keil, Gateway Realty
Luke Mitchell, High Point Land Company
Bailey Beef Company
Shirley Levings, Arlington Antiques
Corey and Alex Fry, The Junction
Delores Woodhurst
Marie Lawrence and Judy Heim
Sharon Wright, The Flower Shoppe
John Lake, Brian Hodges, Junior Meuhring, Ralls County Commissioners
Brandy Flynn, Ralls County Clerk
Gina Jameson, Ralls County Circuit Clerk & Recorder
The feature item of the evening was a painting of the Ralls County Courthouse. The painting will be on display at the museum, and the owners’ names will be shown alongside the painting. Below is the list of this year’s proud co-owners of the painting.
Ernest Nelson Harlow Family
Raleigh Roy Diffenderfer Family
John and Sharon Lake
Brian & Linda Hodges
Scott & Ashley Hodges
Brian & Delores Woodhurst
Beinhoff Funeral Home
Bill & Judy Heim
John & Mary Wallace
Charlie & Mary Sue Mitchell
Shawn & Michele Keil
If you want to be involved with the Historical Society, please send an email (rwleake@aol.com) or get in touch with Ron Leake (573-248-6147), Linda Hodges, Sharon Lake, Carolyn Trower, or Delores Woodhurst. We are hoping that volunteers will continue to spend time organizing the museum and keeping it in good condition. We are always in need of volunteers to be at the museum during the summer hours when it is open. Also, it’s not too late to become a member of the Ralls County Historical Society. Individual, family, and business memberships are available. A membership form is available on our website (rallscohistoricalsociety.com).
Ralls County Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations and memberships are tax deductible. Ralls County Historical Society is a 100% volunteer-run organization that relies on fundraisers, membership dues, and donations to provide ongoing services to the entire county. All money raised by the Ralls County Historical Society is used to continue to preserve and share local artifacts and our county’s history.
We appreciate your support!
We appreciate your support!
One way to support the Ralls County Historical Society is to become a member. Click here to print out a membership form, or if you prefer, click here to complete the form online. Payments and paperwork can be mailed to the following address:
Ralls County Historical Society
PO Box 463
Perry, MO 63462
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Ron, Sharon, or Delores.
Physical Address:
Ralls County Historical Museum
105 East Main Street
Perry, MO 63462
Ralls County Historical Library
124 East Main Street
Perry, MO 63462
Missouri Mule Museum
114 East Main Street
Perry, MO 63462
Mailing Address:
Ralls County, Missouri Historical Society
PO Box 463
Perry, MO 63462
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse