There's a murder to be solved at Luseland's Museum

By Joan Janzen

There's always something new to see at the Luseland Museum, and now there's also something fun to do at the museum during the month of August. The mystery of "The Empty Handed Thief" is waiting to be solved on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in August. Jean Halliday from the museum explained what visiting detectives can expect when they come to the museum.

"The best process is if a group of about six people come to the museum," she said. "They get their characters and can choose some accessories … hats, canes, scarves, etc." Once they have their character, they meet at the crime scene (the museum living room). "We read the story to set the stage, and visitors are given a card with all the places in the museum where they will find a clue," she explained.

The Luseland Museum features various rooms from a homestead house and businesses from "Main Street." The detectives move throughout the museum, finding clues and compiling notes on their cards. Clues are tucked away in a safety deposit box at the bank, in a policeman's notebook at the police station, and in many other spots. Everywhere they go, they'll find a clue while simultaneously enjoying a tour of the museum.

"The idea of the murder mystery is to connect with a different age group, and it seems to be working. We have a group of teenagers booked for an afternoon in August," Jean said. After the mystery is solved, the museum offers snacks and juice to reward the detectives.

The murder mystery is most suitable for ages 12 and up, as some of the clues are quite challenging. However, last Sunday, Jean said a group of three 10-year-old boys had a good time and, with just a little help, solved the mystery.

"The murder mystery takes the players to every space in the museum where they have to check out all the items in the area. Once they think they have solved the mystery, everyone meets back in the living room to hear the end of the tale," Jean said.