Psst!  The canoes have arrived!  There was a private preview and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Silver River Museum. The ceremony was the unveiling of the new museum hall with the exhibit Dugout Canoes:  Paddling through the Americas.  Dignitaries, Park and Museum Staff, Volunteers and other major contributors were invited to this private event.   

The evening began with a warm welcome from the Museum Staff as the Guests entered the Silver River Museum main entrance.  The current exhibits were proudly on display in both rooms for the Guests to wander and explore.  There were several stations set up with hors d'oeuvres, desserts and refreshments for the Guests to nibble on as they eagerly awaited the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Promptly at 6 pm, everyone gathered near the entrance to the new addition.  The room was packed with curious Guests as Scott Mitchell, Museum Director, addressed the group in preparation of sharing the new exhibit hall.  Scott voiced appreciation for everyone that had contributed to the new addition.  Dr. Heidi Maier, Superintendent of Marion County Schools, expressed her thanks to the group and Eric Draper, Director of the Florida Park Service, talked about the accomplishments made.  One by one,  all of the major contributors were invited to come to the front of the room.  Many pairs of scissors were handed out as a group ribbon-cutting was initiated by Scott.  The applause was enthusiastic as the curtain dropped to allow the Guests entrance into the new exhibit.  The murmur of awe and wonder echoed throughout the room as everyone discovered the treasures therein.  

The evening continued to amaze the Guests with all of the new features in the exhibit, with the canoes being the most outstanding elements.  Many Guests lingered to read and remember the fascinating information throughout the room.  As the evening drew to the end, the Guests departed with a new understanding of another chapter in the history of the museum.