Episode 07: Dr. Rodney Harris: Preserving the Past and the Ruth Ann Cox Rural Life Gallery скачать в хорошем качестве

Episode 07: Dr. Rodney Harris: Preserving the Past and the Ruth Ann Cox Rural Life Gallery

This week on The CommerceCast: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz are joined by Dr. Rodney Harris, Department Chair at Williams Baptist University and President of the Randolph County Heritage Museum. SPECIAL EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT: Join us Saturday, March 7, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. as we celebrate the grand opening of the Ruth Ann Cox Agricultural and Rural Life Gallery. This incredible new space more than doubles our exhibit area and helps us tell the powerful story of Randolph County’s agricultural roots like never before. Ribbon cutting at approximately 4:30 p.m. With the museum's 20th anniversary on the horizon, Rodney gives us a sneak peek into the massive expansion happening on the building's second floor. We discuss the brand-new agriculture and rural life exhibits, the addition of a much-needed elevator, and the breathtaking generosity of local families like the Coxes, Trammels, and Jacksons who are quietly funding the preservation of our history. Rodney also shares his own remarkable journey—from his first college days to earning his PhD and tenure. In This Episode: Opening the Second Floor: An inside look at the new exhibits exploring farming, banking during the Great Depression, and how the cotton crash shaped local agriculture. The Non-Profit Crisis: A sobering look at why the Heritage Museum (and all local volunteer organizations) must pivot to secure endowments as the baby boomer generation passes the torch. Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook:   / randolphcountychamber   Connect with the Randolph County Heritage Museum: randolphcountyheritage.org Phone: 870-892-4056 Email the museum director: rodneywharris@gmail.com Join the Conversation: Have a story we should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out to the team at chamber@randolphchamber.com. Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and in the comments below! Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.