The Soo Line Historical Museum had another record-setting year in 1999, as the historical society heard attendance numbers were up yet again.

The year-end statistics were released at the society's annual general meeting, held at the museum on Monday evening. The society also heard other details about the past year and elected their slate of officers for 2000.

The total number of visitors in 1999 was 4,690, up from the 4,355 recorded in 1998. Curator-manager Lavine Stepp noted that the 1998 total was itself a substantial increase in attendance, and attributed the growing numbers to the Charlie Wilson silver collection.

Requests for tourist information also increased in 1999, totalling 1,202, up from 1,147 the year before. There were 1,316 volunteer hours recorded at the museum in 1999.

One reason for the growth in attendance was an increase in guided school tours, with a total of 276 students going through the museum in 1999, up from 184 the year before. The students came from Assiniboia Park, Haig, Souris, St. Dominic Savio, Weyburn Junior High, Pangman, Fillmore and Yellow Grass.

The past year also saw special events that were well-attended, including the Heritage Day demonstrations and tea, and the Founders Day tea and book-signing.

A new First Nations mural and display opened at the Founders Day tea, painted by members of the Weyburn Artists Workshop. They put in a total of 415 hours to make the mural, along with research time for the display.

Admission charges to the museum as of Jan. 1 are $3 for adults, $2 for students and $1 for children 12 and under.

The new museum executive includes president Art Wallace, vice-president Jim Nedelcov, secretary Mary Konotopetz and treasurer Hannah Bell.

Directors with three-year terms are Hannah Bell, Carla Kristensen, Peggy Williamson and Brenda King; those with two-year terms are Art Wallace, Dave Carlson, Joan Leydon and Joanne Walker; directors with one year remaining are Dorothy Duthie, Mary Konotopetz, Jim Nedelcov and Gail Dreger.