BOONE, Iowa—Attendance at annual meetings for Boone County Historical Society has been low in recent years.  This year will be different because of the on-going debate over the future of the Mamie Dowd Eisenhower Birthplace.  The current board members have decided not to reopen the Birthplace next spring.  Meanwhile, a number of community members, many involved with the establishment of the Birthplace, want to regain control of the operations, raise funds to make improvements and operate the Birthplace.  It has created a divide that will certainly be a focal point for the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Boone County Historical Society.

That meeting will be held on the main floor of the museum, beginning at 6:00 PM Thursday.  Voting by the membership for proposed changes in the By-Laws and to fill board positions will begin at 4:00 PM at the History Center, 602 Story Street in Boone.  Those needing handicap accessibility will be able to use the lower level entrance to access the elevator, but another group is occupying the lower level meeting room.