Douglas County Museum and Historical Society

10/20/2026

Yesterday evening at our monthly Historical Society Meeting, we went ahead and drew the winning ticket for our kayak raffle. The winner of the kayak is . . .
ADAM BRAZEAL

09/25/2026

Again we post the passing of an icon, a member, and past Contributor to our historical journal. A few years ago we did a dedication to him in our journal. Rest in Peace, Mr. Barker.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of one of BPJ’s founders, Paul Barker, who passed away early this morning at the remarkable age of 102.

Paul’s legacy is woven into the very foundation of Barker Phillips Jackson.

In 1960, Paul Barker and Milton Phillips joined together to form Barker-Phillips. What began as a small Springfield insurance agency would grow over the decades into what we know today as Barker Phillips Jackson — one of the largest and most established independent insurance agencies in Southwest Missouri.

Paul was more than a businessman and insurance professional. According to an interview Paul himself did in 2023 for Ozarks Alive, he was a World War II veteran. He served aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard before returning to Missouri and completing his degree at the University of Missouri. He also spent time teaching American history, world history and civics, and throughout his life maintained a deep interest in history and genealogy.

Perhaps one of the greatest examples of that vision came when BPJ became an employee-owned company in 1987. That decision created an ownership legacy that continues to benefit BPJ associates today and helped shape the culture and company we are so proud to be a part of.

Paul retired from BPJ in 1992, but the company he helped build continued to grow — adding locations, welcoming new agencies and associates, and serving generations of clients throughout Missouri and beyond.

For more than 65 years, the name Barker has been part of BPJ. While we mourn Paul’s passing, we are incredibly grateful for the foundation he helped build, the opportunities he helped create, and the legacy he leaves behind.

All of us at BPJ extend our heartfelt condolences to Paul’s family and loved ones.

Paul lived an extraordinary 102 years, and we are honored that BPJ will forever be part of his story — just as he will forever be part of ours.
Rest in peace, Paul. Your legacy lives on. ❤️

09/05/2026

The Douglas County Museum will be closed today, Saturday Sept 5, due to the equipment and men painting.

09/05/2026

The museum is getting a facelift. Thank you to the guys who been out painting in this heat. Due to this, we will not be open today.

08/31/2026

Great News! If you bought raffle tickets for the kayak, you are still in the running. Our winner has donated it back and we will continue the raffle! Winner will be drawn at the Ava Christmas Parade!

08/27/2026

1913 - Sawmill on Doug WILSON place near Vanzant, MO in Douglas County, MO.
Standing L to R - HAVENS, MCCARTY, Henry COOPER, William “Pap” RODGERS, John HAVENS, Guy WILLIAMS, unknown, Doug WILSON
Seated - Unknown,Unknown
Did any of your relatives work at a sawmill for the Barker Family?
Noble and David Barker photo

08/27/2026

The whole world is mourning the death of Dolly Parton. She was from the Sevierville area of Tennessee. I ran across Partons way back in my husband's genealogy. Being as so many of our ancestors families came from that general area of the country, are there any of you out there that have found through your genealogical research that you are related to the Parton family?

08/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who Braved the heat and came out to the museum Saturday for our Open House. Thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets on the quilt and kayak. The quilt winner was Nancy Boyd, the kayak winner was Dick Salgado.

08/15/2026

08/15/2026

Today is the day! Come out to the museum and visit with us!
Grab some refreshments, go through the museum for free,
talk about Douglas County's history.
Last chance to buy raffle tickets for the quilt and kayak!
We will be open from 10 til 2. Raffle winners drawn at 1:45!