Bring the family to Parker Museum from 1-4 p.m., on Father's Day, June 15 for an afternoon of family fun at Living History Day. The afternoon will feature displays and hands on activities about the Amazing Grain--Corn. Admission to the museum grounds will be $5 for adults and $3 for children 5-12 years, 4 and under are free or a family admission of $15.

Admission includes museum tours, demonstrators, pie, ice cream and lemonade.

Corn grown on our local Clay County farms is transformed into many products found in today's market. These are very different from the foods produced by the earliest corn plants 7,000 years ago. USDA/ISU is providing a display with examples of early Native American corn varieties, old farmer variety Corn Belt Dents along with a mix of other types of corn to show how the modern hybrid corn was developed.

Different types of early corn related equipment used on farms will also be on exhibit. Collector L. R. (Pete) Petersen will share some of his hand held corn planters and other items from his extensive collection. Parker Museum's collection includes sod-busting plows, several single row horse drawn planters, a check planter and other corn related artifacts.

Mid-twentieth century farmers did not purchase their seed for spring planting. An exhibit will explain the process these producers used, from picking the corn in the fall to determining its suitability for spring planting. Mitch Maurer will present his recent science fair project about the current technology in today's seed stock.

Other activities will include Blacksmith Mike Grems, lessons in the school room with Marilyn Meyer, and hands on activities for all ages in the back yard. Homemade pie, ice cream and lemonade will be available.

Robert Johnson will be performing musical selections as well.

A new exhibit created by Assistant Director Holly Kellogg will also be opening. "The Influence of War" will feature a variety of artifacts from the collection including military uniforms, wedding dresses, scouting items and more.

Parker Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting Clay County history for the enjoyment and education of the public.

* For more information about Living History Day or Parker Museum contact Cindy McGranahan, Parker Museum Director at 262-3304 or parkermuseum@evertek.net.