December 20, 2000
Making a move: Con Foster readies Heritage Center
Museum relocating collection to Grand Traverse Heritage Center next spring
Friends of the Con Foster Museum are planning to move the City's collection of artifacts to new exhibit and storage spaces in the Grand Traverse Heritage Center in the spring.
The former Sixth Street Library is being transformed into the Grand Traverse Heritage Center. The Center will house the historical collections of artifacts, books, photographs and documents, and offer expanded accessibility for the public.
Already, volunteers have set up a Reference Library and Archive in the 1964 portion of the former library building. The high ceilings of the 1904 Carnegie Building's main floor are being prepared as exhibit galleries. A large holding room in the lower level will protect all the valuable collections in a climate controlled storage space.
Architect John Dziurman is working with a Traverse City firm, Bayshore Engineering, to design the renovations, and integrate a new heating, cooling and ventilation system. The Traverse Area District Library and the City of Traverse City are cooperating with area non-profit organizations to accomplish the work to preserve the building.
Work has already begun on renovations and improvements. Five non-profit groups are occupying the buildings, utilizing the classroom, library and meeting rooms. A capital campaign was launched in April under the direction of Friends of the Con Foster Museum, with board member, Peg Jonkhoff leading the Capital Campaign Steering Committee of ten citizens. The Campaign has received generous support, totaling $125,000, from the following organizations: Rotary Charities, Regional Community Foundation, Americana Foundation, Oleson Foundation, Zonta Club and Grand Traverse Bay Kiwanis Club. More than fifty individuals and businesses have contributed over $80,000 since April. These funds are 45 percent of the estimated $766,700 needed to bring full restoration and improvements to the Heritage Center. A full range of contribution opportunities have been established with a Capital Fund at the Regional Community Foundation.
Museum staff will be conducting workbees on weekdays throughout December and January to strip paint and old varnish from the original woodwork in the Carnegie Building. All tools and supplies are kept on hand at the Center so that volunteers can be equipped to accomplish the handwork. There are no hazards, and no experience or skill is required.
Interested parties may call the Center for information about volunteering. Restoration of the plaster work, painting and flood refinishing will continue through the winter. Museum staff are working with volunteers to create new exhibits that will open in early May, 2001.
For more information, call the Heritage Center at 995-0314. The Heritage Center is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.