Historic advisory board seeks old fire hall for city museum and chamber space

Midlothian — The Midlothian Historic Advisory Board updated council on progress toward establishing a city museum and requested continued consideration of the former Fire Administration building as a museum site.

Melissa (chair, Historic Advisory Board) told council the board has been working for months to prepare a museum concept, including a rough scope of work, a floor plan for the fire‑hall building and outreach to a museum professional who toured the building and provided guidance. The board said it has discussed sharing the building with the Midlothian Chamber of Commerce, which has expressed willingness to occupy the upper floor and a portion of the ground floor as a welcome center.

The board also reported it had interest from funding partners and that it envisions using modern, technology‑based exhibit methods aimed at engaging students and younger visitors. "We want to tell our town story, but we want to do it in a modern way that can engage the younger" population, Melissa said.

Council received the update and thanked the board and the Chamber for continuing to develop a concept. No formal action was taken; the item was an informational update and staff will continue discussions with the advisory board and chamber as plans mature.