The grand opening of the St. Lucas German-American Museum display “Nation Building One Community at a Time: The Story of St. Lucas” proved to be a festive event. The opening ceremony recently took place with approximately 75 people in attendance. 
    Featured guest speaker was Candy Streed of Silos and Smokestacks, who enthusiastically commended the fine work of the committee and the St. Lucas Historical Society.  Guests were  welcomed by  Dr. Clair Blong, president of the St. Lucas Historical Society, who spoke of the evolution of the society, its goals and the museum itself. He introduced Museum Project Manager Lorraine Kuennen and her husband Ken Kuennen. Kuennen spoke of their work with the project. Consultant Darrell Henning, retired curator of the Vesterheim Museum, spoke about the project and the ongoing process of keeping the museum going. The direction of the museum was facilitated by Henning, and the hiring of Henning was made possible through a grant given by Silos and Smokestacks. Also speaking were committee members, Duane Boyer, vice president and museum construction manager, and Virginia Manderfield, who also worked many hours with the project.
    Following the introductory speeches, the attending public was invited to view the new display. The display begins with maps of Germany in 1840.  The introductory phase of the display deals with who the early settlers were, where they came from and why they came.
    The first settlers were predominantly from Germany, Luxemburg, Switzerland and Belgium. Later, immigrants also included people from the Ukraine and Bohemia. 
    In viewing the display, one will encounter different themes such as “Early Beginnings,” “Farming and Agriculture,” “Enterprises and Business, Church, Home and Family,” and “The Role of Education.”  The displays feature many fine photos of early times, many of the photographs being taken by local photographer John Schwickerath. Actual artifacts include crates from early businesses, egg cases, the anvil and tools of blacksmith Edmund Hauer. 
    The second room of the display deals with “Influences from the Outside” such as social events like weddings, sports and entertainment. One of the fine displays features the wedding clothing of Nick and Katherine Kuehner, who were married Nov. 25, 1903. The clothing was donated to the society by their daughter, Sister Rose Catherine Kuehner.
    Lee Stammeyer has done considerable work collecting the military history of the community. A special feature of the military display in the “Influences from the Outside” room is the World War I uniform of Henry Schlicte. Beyond the military display in this room, a separate room featuring additional military memorabilia such as medals and other uniforms is in process. 
    The work of the museum is ongoing and will continue to evolve. People with information or artifacts are invited to contact the Society. Hours of the museum are the first Sunday of the month from 11:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. and every Wednesday, 1-4 p.m. or by special arrangement. To arrange for tours, call Lorraine Kuennen at 563-382-1454 or e-mail basscreek@dybb.com.