Who would guess it? A museum of art and history in Licking, Missouri! How did this come about and what does it offer? Let's start from the beginning.

Licking native, Ron Rennick, donated a sizable collection of fine art and artifacts to be set up as a museum for educational and cultural opportunities for people in south Missouri. The facility is titled the Texas County Museum of Art and History.

Include in the collection are artifacts from North American Indians as well as Asian, African and European countries. These are in the form of animal and human figurines, pottery, jewelry, furniture, tools and books to name a few. Some artifacts date back before Christ while others are more contemporary.

Also on display are over fifty pieces of framed fine art. Although these are originals, a few are unsigned and will forever remain a mystery. Most recognizable of the signed pieces are paintings by Picasso, Charles Russell, George Catlin, Juan Gris, Willie Baumeister and Joan Miro. Mr. Rennick has indicated more donations will follow.

The museum, a non-profit organization, is governed by a board of six directors from the local area. Ellen Reynolds, a retired art teacher, is the administrator.

Future goals of the museum are to collect and display artifacts from area residents, display works by guest artists, offer art lessons, and work with schools in historical and cultural areas.

The Texas County Museum of Art and History is located on Main Street, one block south of Hwy 32 and Hwy 137 intersection in downtown Licking. Hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each Monday and Tuesday from March to November. Individuals as well as groups of home schoolers and classes on field trips are invited to take advantage of this educational experience. Arrangements may be made for special openings by calling (573) 674-3526. The museum charges no admission.