RUNGE – In February of 1992, great tragedy befell the Runge Museum when two vehicles crashed into the museum, causing the building to burn to the ground. The accident took the lives of two individuals and saw all of the museum’s historic artifacts and exhibits completely destroyed.

After the tragic loss, the Runge community rallied to rebuild the museum. After a time, the museum again endured some more adversity.

“The museum was very active until a few years ago when illness and lack of personnel to operate the museum caused it to close,” said Mary Beth Morgan, Vice President of the Runge Museum Association.

The museum has currently been opened on an individual basis to accommodate visitors who make requests to visit the museum.

The Runge Museum Association held a meeting on Feb. 25 to focus and collaborate community efforts to renew and revive the Runge Museum, with a vision to make the museum once again open to the public in the near future with regular operating hours.

During the meeting, officers were elected to establish various leadership roles in the Association. Elected officers were Larry Dement, President; Mary Beth Morgan, Vice President; Patti Brasher, Secretary; Thomas Reynolds, Treasurer.

Treasurer Thomas Reynolds presented formats relating to the museum’s expense and income forms that are used for non-profit organizations. Thomas suggested an audit to be done in order to determine which forms and proper procedures will be required by the government regarding various financial issues and responsibilities. Annual membership dues were raised from $3 to $5.

Fundraisers and activities are being planned to raise funds and community awareness for the museum. A barbecue chicken lunch fundraiser is being planned for the May 11. The museum association also plans to participate in the Runge Fourth of July celebration.

Individuals from the Runge Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, and the Runge community in general are uniting in their efforts to make the museum a success and legacy for the history and people of Runge.

The Runge Museum features exhibits such as archaeological finds, military history, old archived Karnes County newspaper clippings, historic photographs, memorabilia of Runge schools, and more.

More information and details will be forthcoming as plans for the Runge Museum progress.