JACKSONVILLE, Ark. (KATV) — A Jacksonville woman is turning a life-changing cancer diagnosis into a mission to preserve her community’s history by helping reopen the Jacksonville Historical Museum.
After the museum closed under previous leadership, its exhibits were packed away and the building sat unused for years.
Lida Feller, a Jacksonville resident, decided she didn’t want the city’s history to remain hidden.
Feller began working with friends, family and other community members to bring the museum back to life.
She said she never considered herself a historian, but simply someone who wanted to help.
“I’m just a Jacksonville resident wanting to do something to help others,” said Feller, who now serves as vice president of the Jacksonville Historical Museum.
In 2022, Feller was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. While many people create bucket lists after receiving a diagnosis like that, she chose a different goal — reopening the museum.
Jerry Sanders, president of the Jacksonville Historical Museum, said volunteers have spent hundreds of hours restoring the space and preparing exhibits.
“Well, we’ve taken on some big projects in the past, but it was for her,” Sanders said.
When the museum reopens, visitors will find exhibits highlighting Jacksonville’s history, including artwork and stories from the community. Sanders said he believes the refreshed museum will resonate with visitors.
“I think the people will really enjoy the new museum over the last one, for sure,” he said.
For Feller, the project is also personal. She said she didn’t always care about history until she began researching her own family background.
“Once I found out my history and where I fit in with the bigger picture of the United States, that’s when stuff really got me interested in history,” she said.
Now, she hopes the museum will inspire younger generations to learn about their own roots.
“I care about kids, and I want them to learn their history so that they know what their history is about,” Feller said.
The Jacksonville Historical Museum is scheduled to hold its grand opening on March 21 at 2 p.m. Organizers said they are still accepting donations and hope to continue expanding the museum with additional local history exhibits.