A traveling History Museum on the Square Inc. initiative is set to reach more eyes, thanks to a sponsorship from Great Southern Bank.
The Springfield-based banking company is supporting the History Museum's Traveling Exploration Trunk educational program through the sponsorship, according to a news release. The traveling trunks, used by the likes of local students, community groups and homeschool families, can now be borrowed at no cost.
Sean FitzGibbons, the museum's executive director, said the $7,000 sponsorship from Great Southern Bank covers costs for the Traveling Exploration Trunk program starting this month through June 2025. Trunks typically cost $20 per day, with a three-day minimum to rent, he said.
"We are always looking for ways to alleviate economic barriers to our programming. As a nonprofit that isn't supported through tax money, it's tough to balance our programming expenses," FitzGibbons said via email. "We are so thankful to Great Southern Bank for their support."
The seven trunks in the program feature source material and educational aids for a variety of topics aligned with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education learning standards, according to the release. Topics include Lewis and Clark, Osage culture, the Civil War in Springfield and World War II.
"By partnering with the History Museum on the Square in support of the Traveling Exploration Trunks, we're not just preserving history; we're inspiring the future," said Andrea Brady, community outreach and development manager at Great Southern Bank, in the release. "Together, we create a space where children can learn, dream and be the architects of tomorrow, grounded in the wisdom of yesterday."