Lori Pratt has served as executive director of the Audrain County Historical Society for seven years, but says it feels like she started just a few months ago. Housed in the stately 1858 home Graceland, she welcomes guests and organizes events such as Throw Back in Time and the History Camp.

Pratt grew up in Bowling Green and earned a communications degree from what was then Southwest Missouri State before becoming a regional coordinator of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program.

1. What was the appeal of this position?

It’s only four blocks from my house [laughs]. No, I got a call from a board member who said this position is open. I had done festivals before so Walk Back in Time wasn’t so daunting.

2. What does an executive director do?

I was just cutting brownies. We fixed a faucet this morning [laughs]. I run the day to day operations. Walk Back in Time and grant writing take a lot of my time.

3. I assume there’s a lot of grant writing.

When you’re a nonprofit it’s definitely something you have to do.

4. So is Graceland haunted?

We actually had some paranormal people here last year. It was very interesting. But I can’t say I’ve ever seen anything or heard anything.

5. It must be a bit spooky to be working here alone in the evening.

It’s not — unless you let your brain get to you.

6. What’s the most common question from visitors?

A lot of them want to know if U.S. Grant really did stay here. Yes, he really did. He stayed here a few times. He was a colonel at the time. Then he went to Ironton, where he received his commission.

7. How busy do you get in the summer?

Right now [Wednesday] we’re getting ready to host the Miss Missouri dessert reception. We play host to contestants and their families. Saturday we start setting everything up for History Camp.

8. Is that popular?

We usually have 50 kids. This year we have 64, probably making up for COVID. If you’re a kid in Mexico, this is the thing to do. There’s a waiting list.

9. What goes on?

They do crafts, cooking, sometimes we’ve done etiquette. It’s a unique event.

10. Is there anything in the collection that stands out to you?

There are some really cool things. It depends on the person. Some love history itself. If you’re a horse person, it’s the fact we have some of Tom Bass’ personal items. We have the flag that was carried in the peace parade in Paris at the end of World War One. One of my favorites is the Newel Post. That’s the baluster at the end of the stairway. If people took out a loan for a house, as they paid off the loan they would get a piece to put in the top. It’s a way to show off that your house is paid for.