I've been finding a blog for everything lately, and luckily many of them have been full of helpful information. For one class this semester, the Nature of Museums, our group project is to determine a need or issue within our local community history museum, which is run by our local historical society. Unfortunately, after reading the 80-page report compiled by a museum consultant, it's obvious why I had only ever ventured into the museum once, spent 5 confusing minutes in the basement level, and walked right back out. This museum needs a LOT of work-- everything from very little community involvement to the inside of their brochures being printed upside down.
Our group has decided to tackle the issue of space analysis. I was happy to choose this because having studied architecture for a year, I can finally put some of that not-to-be-forgotten knowledge to work! I must say, however, that the museum itself is located in the most beautiful building in town. Construction was finished by 1888 and consisted of three main stories. There's a split-level marble staircase and ceilings up to 22 feet high, along with a separate type of wood trim for each floor (ash on the first floor, white oak on the second floor, and yellow burled pine on the top floor). It was originally used as office space and a bank, with the building owner's mortgage company on the third level, and housing for him and his family in the very top--sort of a large attic. Overall, it's just gorgeous, and that museum is lucky to have the space! I'm eager to see what our group can come up with...
