DATE: 23 June 2010
CONTACT: Stephanie Turnham
PHONE: 254.933.5243

BELL COUNTY MUSEUM OPENS NEW EXHIBITS ON SPORTS

The Bell County Museum has entered the wide world of sports in Bell County with We Got Game!, a new exhibit that is now view.  The interactive exhibit takes a look at the four major sports in American - baseball, football, basketball, and track and field - and those locals who broke records, played professionally, or coached others to success.  The exhibit also allows the museum to showcase artifacts that have been held in storage and are on exhibit for the first time.

The first evidence of a sporting activity, an athletic pursuit involving skill and talent, appears in China about 6,000 years ago.  Gymnastics, wrestling, swimming, fishing, and even leaping over bulls were enjoyed by the world's earliest civilizations, and have evolved into the hundreds of athletic activities that we participate in today.

Millions enjoy participating in sports.  Whether one is jogging alone or competing in a 100-yard dash, activities like these positively affect the social, mental, and physical development of individuals.  Physical activity helps strengthen muscles and bones and also helps to alleviate stress.  And, sporting activities teach individuals how to interact with society and peers, how to manage conflict, success and failure, and how to improve self confidence.  People who engage in sports learn lessons about the importance of discipline, competition, fair play, and respect.

The museum exhibit includes information on Temple's own "Mean Joe" Greene, and the helmet worn when he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Greene won four Super Bowls and is also known for starring in the 2nd most popular television commercial of all time, which will be playing in the exhibit.  Also on view are numerous artifacts from the museum's collection, such as boxing gloves used at the boxing ring in downtown Belton, and objects borrowed from the public, such as fishing lures, cheerleading uniforms, reel oil, and photographs from Dunbar High School and its beloved Coach Curtis B. Elliott.  "The parents of Chicago Bears (and Ellison High School) player Tommie Harris, Jr. graciously lent their son's Chicago Bears jersey and his Lombardi Award, as well," said Museum Director Stephanie Turnham.

Interactives in the exhibit include opportunities to play Frisbee, archery, basketball, tennis, golf, bowling, and more through a Wii console.  This is fun!

We Got Game! will be open through October 15.  Turnham said, "This is an excellent time for families this summer looking to escape the heat to see the exhibit - and still get some exercise!"

The Bell County Museum is located at 201 N. Main Street in Belton.  Hours are noon until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.  Admission is free and guided tours are available.  For more information, call 933.5243.