The Cape River Heritage Museum will begin its 2014 season with an open house reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. Refreshments will be served.

"We are excited to showcase the museum's substantial refurbishing of galleries [and] exhibits and a new, paved parking lot," Bonnie Stepenoff, museum director, said in a news release.

New exhibits in the River Room include Cape Girardeau presidential connections; the steamboat era; Louis Lorimier, founder of Cape Girardeau; and a 5-foot-by-10-foot 1944 Ary Marbain mural, "Metropolis," donated by the Southeast Missourian and restored by local artist Craig Thomas.

The Missouri Room features updated exhibits of Marie Oliver, designer of the Missouri state flag; Louis Houck, lawyer, author and railroad pioneer; Willard Vandiver, originator of the "Show Me" slogan; the Missouri mule; Chief White Eagle; and a 5-foot-by-8-foot Marbain mural titled "Culture."

In addition, students of Southeast Missouri State University's Historic Preservation program are developing new police and fire exhibits in the Pumper and Fire Engine rooms under the tutelage of Dr. Eric Clemens.

"We invite all area citizens to visit the museum throughout the year," said museum board president Dr. John Holcomb. "We know they will be proud of our current upgrades."

The Cape River Heritage Museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call 573-334-0405.

nhadler@semissourian.com

388-3630

Pertinent address:

538 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703