50 years and celebrating at the Howard

On April 19 at 2 p.m. a "Back Porch Ribbon Cutting" will kick off a year-long celebration of 50 years as a public museum at the Howard Steamboat Museum, 1101 E. Market Street, Jeffersonville.

The theme for the Ribbon Cutting and the year-long celebration is “Opening New Doors”. The “new doors” were literally designed by Architect Ron Stiller, AIA, as part of an adaptive restoration of the mansion’s back porch which has reopened an original entrance allowing room for the integration of an access ramp. The plans and the work by Woodbine Construction, Inc. were funded in part by the Frances Howard Kohlhepp Endowment.

Figuratively, the theme “opening new doors” is a plan to invite the community into the Museum by way of showcasing new and old exhibits and offering a broader range of public events. The Bell Stand and Pilot Wheel Exhibit simulates the old time bell system used by the captain of a steamboat to signal the Engineer. This “Hands-On” exhibit was designed by Alan Bates, Riverboat Captain and architect for the Corps of Engineers. The Bell Stand model was crafted by tool and die maker Bruce Babcock, a steam engine enthusiast from Ohio. The installation crew included Pete O’Connell, Bill Ray, Jim Reising, and Kenny Howe. The crew of rivermen hauled, sawed and crawled under the back porch to embed a nearly 100-year-old pilot wheel into the porch with old, working parts including: stopping and backing bells, and a gong. The exhibit was funded by a grant from The Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen, J. Mack Gamble Fund.

Volunteers from Duke Energy and Ohio Valley Creative Energy who organized and participated in last year’s Duke Energy Global Service Event - Lawn Beautification Project will also be recognized.

Volunteers from American Commercial Lines will join the forces this year for the Duke Energy Global Service Event scheduled for May 7, 2008. Other lawn projects to be recognized include the installation of a bird bath honoring David M. Darst, refurbishing of the original west lawn fountain by the Todd Waldrip Family, and the re-location of the Delta Queen paddlewheel shaft by Padgett Crane Service, Reschar Construction, Ohio Valley Concrete, and L. Thorn Co.

Eagle Scout, Tommy Harlan, will be on hand to be recognized for his Outdoor Artifact Identification project. The Program for the event in addition to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony includes: stories from the rivermen and participants; music provided by the Fort Hill String Band and refreshments.