Thursday, May 28, 2009

Poland Band Concert



Last week the Poland Band came on a field trip and did a wonderful concert before they started their programs. I've been so busy, I forgot to post the photo and video until now.

Enjoy!

The Historical Hall is EMPTY!

Make way for The Stark County Story!!

Doesn't it look so much bigger when there's nothing in it?



Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Planning

Yesterday I spent some time upstairs with Steve talking about all the changes upstairs. It is a bit overwhelming! He has everything choreographed like a fine ballet. This will be done by this date so this guy can come and do that. Lots of coordination!

My role is to remove all small artifacts, little by little, over the next few weeks so that the big stuff can come out when school tours are over. I also have some more signs to make for more new lobby renovations. We're talking about painting some things out there too.

If you haven't voted for us at the Nickelodeon site lately, please log on! Just click on the logo in the upper right corner of this blog. We are holding steady at 60% of the vote. But I want to make sure we stay there!! :-)

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Spring, busy spring...

Most days in May you can find me out in the lobby helping Chris direct traffic! When he has to do a tour himself, which is quite a bit, he needs someone to make sure teachers know where they're going when they "switch." Or to greet the groups who arrive while he is giving a tour.

This time of year is "all hands on deck" for us here at the Museum as we put over 4000 kids through this month on field trips!

For over a week I've planned to go into the Historical Hall to start removing small artifacts from the room settings. I finally got up there today! I took out books, papers, and china today.

We can't start taking major things down until after the first week in June when school tours are over. But we can get a head start right now by moving things the docents don't talk about on their tour.

In between all that, I've been arranging for the Masons to come take down the exhibit, preparing for The Working White House to arrive, writing newsletter articles, processing new donations, and doing programs.

Oh, and I had to renew my license because my birthday is next week. In the middle of it all!

Right now at this moment I am tired. We're all working very hard!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

New lobby exhibit!



We recycled some old pieces from the Industrial Hall and transformed them into a chic new lobby exhibit!

The big panel on the left welcomes visitors to our site, and explains that this is NOT your typical presidential library. The big panel on the left gives visitors an overview of the McKinley National Memorial

The slanted panels will be changeable. Right now the one on the left talks about the new exhibit coming soon. And the one on the right highlights the McKinley family in West Lawn Cemetery.




It's a great addition to the lobby space! We're currently talking about how to dress up the display cases too.

We are making improvements all over the building. It's an exciting time to be part of the Museum!

Monday, May 11, 2009

We've been nominated by Nickelodeon!

Check us out!

We've been nominated for Best Museum in Nickelodeon's Parents' Picks Awards!

We need your help to win! You can vote for us once a day, every day, from now until July 15.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR US NOW!

Thank you for your support!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Moms get in free!

In honor of Mother's Day, all moms and grandmas will be admitted FREE on Saturday May 9!

Stop in and enjoy a day out with the family!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Demolition has begun!

The Industrial Hall is now closed so Steve can prep it for the new exhibit The Stark County Story that will be installed this summer.

I just snuck up there to take a few photos behind the closed doors!







It is dark up there because the electricians are putting in the new track lighting for the exhibit.

After school tour season is over in the beginning of June, the Industrial Hall prep will be finished and Steve will start working on the Historical Hall demolition.

Even though we will be working up there all summer, our visitors will be able to go into all the remaining galleries on the second floor. The Keller Gallery, McKinley Gallery, and Street of Shops will remain UNCHANGED and OPEN.

It's an exciting time at the museum! We know you will love the changes that are coming. Stay tuned for more updates.