Greene County historic-sites board outlines criteria, launches oral-histories push and March exhibit

A member of the Greene County Historic Sites Board updated county leaders on the board’s work, saying the volunteer advisory panel maintains a register of 83 sites and oversees nominations, public education and preservation efforts.

The presenter said the board, established in 1979 with its mission updated in 1989, has 12 members appointed by the county commission and uses subcommittees and partnerships to research nominations. "We have 12 members who are appointed by the county commission," the presenter said, describing three-year terms and officer roles.

The board reviewed its designation criteria: properties are typically at least 50 years old, should retain historic character, and may be associated with significant events, people or distinctive construction. The presenter noted exceptions can be made—for example for historically significant cemeteries, relocated structures, or exceptionally important sites under 50 years old.

The presentation highlighted local examples, including the Greene County Historic Site Courthouse (the board’s first designation), the Walnut Grove Historic Sites District and its Walnut Grove cannon, the Ebenezer Schoolhouse, and Cave Spring Memorial Church (formerly Mount Zion Presbyterian), which the presenter described as the oldest Presbyterian church building west of the Mississippi. "It has had vinyl siding put over the original wood clabbards," the presenter said, adding that such alterations can be accepted to preserve a structure.

Former commissioner and lifetime board member Dave Coonrod described River Bluff Cave as a major scientific resource: "The cave is, the oldest known fossil cave in North America. 1.3 plus billion or so," he said, and noted the site is not set up for intensive public visitation but that a nearby free museum houses related material.

The presenter explained the nomination process requires substantial research and documentation, sometimes hundreds of pages for a district nomination. If the board votes to forward a nomination, members present the case at a county commission meeting; the commission may request more information or approve it. Approved sites receive a marker and a signed proclamation, usually presented in a public ceremony.

On owner rights and recordkeeping, the presenter said listing is voluntary and does not restrict a landowner’s ability to use or transfer property. The board is exploring options to flag historic properties in county records so future owners are aware of a designation, but staff said the process has not been implemented yet.

The board described current work that includes an addendum to an existing Wilson-area designation and a new oral-histories project to capture longtime residents’ knowledge for archival preservation in partnership with Missouri State University. On recording, Jim Gillette said resources and funding will determine whether interviews are transcribed; the board plans to start with audio recordings and may add transcription later.

The presenter invited the public and commission to a March 8 exhibit in the courthouse rotunda, 2–4 p.m., featuring a National Battlefield Trust traveling exhibit and tables from local groups including the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Ebenezer Historical Society.

The board meets monthly (third Monday, with date adjustments for federal holidays) and welcomes nominations and volunteers. The presenter closed by offering a contact email and the board’s webpage for more information and follow-up.