Contents of late congressman's museum to go to college

MARION, Ill. (AP) - A museum in southern Illinois bearing the name of the late former U.S. Rep. Kenneth J. Gray has closed, and its contents are going to a college in his hometown.

The Ken Gray Presidential Museum closed Saturday, The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan (http://bit.ly/1WQ18lZ ) reported. The museum at Illinois Star Centre Mall had been open since 2010.

Gray's widow, the Rev. Margaret Holley-Gray, donated his collection to Morthland College in his hometown of West Frankfort. Stephanie Parton, the college's vice president of campus development, said the school will preserve the items, which includes letters, newspaper clippings and photos of presidents he served under and those he didn't.

College officials said some materials will be displayed primarily in its library.

Holley-Gray said time constraints outside the museum and limited help made it hard to maintain visiting hours. She's a supporter of Morthland College and was happy that officials agreed to take on her late husband's collection.

"Kenny loved southern Illinois, but he loved his hometown of West Frankfort. That's just where it ought to be," she said.

Gray had opened several museums in West Frankfort over the years, including one showcasing his antique car collection, Holley-Gray said. The site in Marion became available in part because the museum wasn't charged rent by mall officials.

College staffers began packing up materials for the move Wednesday. Parton said grants will be sought so the collection can be digitally recorded.

Gray was known as the "Prince of Pork" for bringing projects to his district. He died in 2014 at age 89.

___

Information from: Southern Illinoisan, http://www.southernillinoisan.com