“Hometown Teams” will consist of a Smithsonian exhibit, a tribute hall featuring local athletes, and a playable art exhibit called “Foul Shot” by Nashville artist Brandon Donahue.
The six-week celebration of local sports and fandom will consist of museum displays, guest speakers, films and community events that will share local sports-related stories.
The exhibit’s grand opening and celebration will take place Saturday, Oct. 6, from 11 am to 1 pm on the University’s quad. An opening reception will then take place Monday, Oct. 8, from 6 to 8 pm. The event’s keynote speaker will be Jeff Bidwell, WPSD sports director and author of “Extending the Stay to San Jose,” an oral history of the Racer men’s basketball team’s 2010 March Madness run.
Additional events include the Pioneers Panel on Oct. 11 at 6:30 pm that will feature founder of Murray State women’s track Margaret Simmons and Murray State’s first African-American athlete Dennis Jackson. Nashville artist and Tennessee State University professor Brandon Donahue will pay a visit to campus Oct. 13 from 11 am to 1 pm, while Murray State psychology professor Dr. Daniel Wann will give a public lecture Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. about “The Psychological Well-being of Local Sport Fans.”
A sports memorabilia showcase will be open Oct. 20 from 11 am to 1 pm, and major league baseball coach Mark Riggins will visit Oct. 24 at 6:30 pm. The final event of the semester is a sports trivia fundraiser with more details to come.
Wrather West Kentucky Museum is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm as well as Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm during the exhibit’s run. There is no entry fee.
For more information about “Hometown Teams” and any of its corresponding events, visit facebook.com/WratherWestKentuckyMuseum or call 270-809-4771.
On the Net:
Wrather Museum Facebook page
