Rob Bentley, president of the Carnegie Museum of Kings County, presented the museum’s annual report and capital needs to the Hanford City Council on Nov. 4, highlighting ongoing exhibits and a prioritized accessibility project.

Bentley described the museum’s recent programming, including a 2024 Asian experiences exhibit that drew more than 3,000 visitors, a 2025 two‑part exhibition on Kings County agriculture and a growing oral‑histories program available online. Part 2 of the agriculture exhibit (opened in September) addresses contemporary topics such as groundwater management and sustainable farming.

The museum’s immediate capital priority is an ADA‑access project at the museum’s rear entrance: remove existing steps, enlarge the door jamb and install a wheelchair lift. Board members estimate the Phase 1a lift project at about $200,000; Bentley said a full ADA compliance package prepared with the city exceeded $1 million. Other capital needs the museum identified include HVAC replacement (the museum closes each August because of heat), seismic retrofit, lead paint window glazing remediation, and mortar repairs to the historic brickwork. An auxiliary building (the former Kamenal/Beacon Refinery outbuilding) has a significant leak and is not fully usable.

Funding strategy and grants: board member Jack Schwartz described a lack of existing statewide historic‑building seismic or ADA restoration grants and said he worked with legislative counsel and a state senator to draft bill language for a statewide historic restoration grant program. Schwartz said the state’s current budget deficits have delayed action on that legislative route; the board is also pursuing federal earmarks and private donations. Bentley said the board has committed to raise $50,000 locally toward the ADA lift and is already receiving designated donations; the Carnegie is also working with the city on a project package and cost estimates for Phase 1a.

City involvement and next steps: Bentley thanked the city for prior support (the city commissioned an ADA cost estimate and lead analysis) and said board and city staff will coordinate a meeting with contractors to firm up costs. The council discussed potential midyear budget review funding and grant opportunities; staff said the city had previously submitted a National Park Service grant application that was denied. Under the current license agreement the city pays up to $5,000 for maintenance costs, while the museum manages operations and most operating costs.

The museum also announced a 2026 exhibit, ‘Building Kings County,’ and invited residents to participate in oral‑history projects.