A forerunner of
the current museum, emphasizing student life through the decades, was
founded in 1986 by
Charles and
La Verne Beeler, both SWAU
alumni and community residents. In 1994, the curatorship was passed to
Jean (Voss) Peterson who expanded upon the Beeler's accessions and whose
enlarged vision for the museum included an events calendar and a broader
scope of exhibits.
The Hopps family generously provided
funding for the current
building. Jim Hopps and his wife, Kim,
envisioned an institution suitable for the memory of the many families
whose religion and lifestyles contributed to the uniqueness of the
school and the community. In that context, Jim wanted to honor his
mother, Ivanette Woodall Hopps,
and the memory of his father Herbert M. Hopps.
Marvin Anderson, university president during
that time, had dreamed of building a spacious facility reminiscent of an
early period classroom building on the campus, built in 1912, replaced
in the 1950's. He foresaw a facility that would serve as more than a
museum--it would also serve as a welcome center suitable for receptions
and social events, conveniently located and appropriately furnished.
As the dreams of Anderson, Hopps and Peterson were merged, the present
facility became a reality. Ground was broken on February 17, 1998 and
the grand opening was December 13, 1998.
