Branson Mall owner creates entertainment hall of fame

According to its executive director, Deidre McCormick, formerly of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame will be located in a 3,000-square-foot space vacated by Rock Around the Clock restaurant in the Branson Mall at 2206 W. Highway 76.

“It will be geared toward entertainment history,” McCormick said of the new museum, which is applying for 501(c)3 nonpro?t status. “Initially there will be no admission (charge). We will offer memberships to the public. We will have a gift shop and special events.”

The museum will include a Branson timeline and historical and inductee displays.

The indoor mall itself will feature historical items and information in interactive displays leading visitors to the hall of fame.

McCormick said that Ken Barth, owner of the Branson Mall, is also founder and president of the board of directors for the museum.

“As a longtime resident and business owner in the Branson area, I have felt the need for a place to honor Branson’s impressive entertainers and showcase our unique entertainment history,” Barth said in a news release, adding that the Entertainment Hall of Fame would allow visitors to gain perspective on a key element of Branson’s history.

On the board

Other board members are Stan Barker, White River Valley Electric Cooperative; Jeannie Horton, Legends In Concert; Tammy Johnson, Radisson Hotel Branson; Galen Pellham, Pellham Commercial Realtors; Joe Sullivan, Welk-Sullivan Productions; Michael Rankin, city of Branson; Craig White, White Finn Productions; and Shawn Whitney, Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin.

One responsibility of the board will be to create the criteria for induction and ensure a fair and ethical voting process into the hall of fame. McCormick, who is responsible for securing donations, said up to 15 inaugural inductees will be announced during the April 10-14 BransonFest.

Those wishing to make inductee nominations or to loan photographs or items that represent the history of Branson entertainment can go to www.branson

entertainmenthalloffame.com. The Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame will guarantee the preservation and safety of any items donated or loaned.

McCormick was with the Branson chamber for nearly six years, working most recently as director of membership and community and economic development and as acting manager for tourism development.