Every so often, a visitor will walk into the Sikeston Depot Museum and expect to see hundreds of small trains on display. They are often surprised at what they find instead.

“This place is actually part art gallery and part history museum,” says Mike Marsh, director of the Sikeston Depot Museum. “It is filled with items related to Sikeston and regional history, then there are also numerous items devoted to art. The only thing really train-related about the museum is the building itself.”

The Depot, as most people call the structure, was constructed in 1916 and eventually ceased operations as a railroad stop in 1985. The building remained empty for 15 years until civic organizations raised more than $300,000 to restore it. The site reopened in 2000 in its new role as museum, art gallery and cultural center.

“I recently became full-time director in May 2007 and have been busy ever since,” Marsh says. “One of my first orders of business was to help oversee a number of museum upgrades and renovations, thanks in large part to a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation.”

One of the key upgrades in 2007 was the installation of four, 18-foot railroad lights that make the exterior of the building look even more authentic. Other improvements included a new sign, indoor lighting improvements, an upgraded security system and wrought iron benches.

For 2008, Marsh says one of the main objectives at the museum is to change the art exhibits every two months. Another goal for 2008 is transforming one of the depot’s rooms to portray nothing but local history.

Marsh adds he is proud that the Sikeston Depot Museum does not rely on tax money, membership fees or admission charges to operate.

“We function entirely through the help of museum friends and grant money,” Marsh says. “We also raise some money with a two-day Cowboy Up! arts festival each August, and we coordinate an annual Christmas home tour. But we mainly exist through donations from people who know how important it is to keep our art and history alive.”

Sikeston Mayor Michael Marshall says a quality facility such as the depot museum is quite an attraction in a small town.

“Sikeston’s growth throughout our history has been heavily linked to trans­portation, so the depot has been an integral part of our development over the years,” Marshall says. “But besides the history aspect, to have such high quality of art pieces displayed in our town makes a citizen like me proud.”