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As part of our Capital Fund Drive held in 1995, funds were set aside for renovations and repairs to the Woodson History Center. The goal is to create a facility that is completely accessible with expanded gallery, library and meeting spaces.
Renovations began in 2009 with the installation of an elevator, and repairs and updates to the exterior. As we moved forward in 2010, major renovations are continuing on the interior.
The first floor of the 1963 addition to the building will feature a new handicap accessible back entrance leading to a 2,800 square foot gallery and reception area, and an updated research library. An 800 square foot second floor gallery will overlook the first floor gallery, and will include an adjoining flexible space in what was once the master bedroom of the 1914 A.P. and Leigh Yawkey Woodson house.
The north exterior brick wall of the house, which was covered up by the 1963 addition, will be exposed and will serve as a backdrop to the new reception area, the second floor gallery and the open staircase joining the two galleries. A large reception hall and handicap accessible restrooms will be available in the lower level. All three levels will be easily accessed by the elevator or the open staircase.
Updates and restoration will also take place in the 1914 historic Woodson house. The dining room will be restored so that it can be used as a large meeting room featuring the original Woodson family dining room table and buffet, and the kitchen will be updated so that it once again connects to the dining room. The living room, previously the research library, will become a comfortable sitting area where visitors can leisurely browse through many photos, documents and displays while relaxing in a wonderful historic setting.
The restored dining room and living room will also serve as a reception area for historical society events and will be available for rent by outside groups.
Along with all of the improvements to the public spaces, our archives and collection storage areas will be updated with appropriate climate control to ensure their safety well into the future.
Click the slide show link above to view the progress of our project.
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