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Riley County Museum reopens after renovation; new curator Carly Farren introduced
Summary
Museum staff reported reopening after a six-week closure for renovations and exhibit changeover; the museum named Carly Farren curator of archives and library and deaccessioned 12 objects following review by the Historical Society board.
Catherine Hensler, director of the Riley County Museum, reported to the commission on Feb. 13 that the museum reopened on Feb. 8 after a six-week closure for renovation and exhibit installation.
Hensler said the museum held a members-only opening attended by 119 people and a public opening that drew 31 visitors on Feb. 8; January visitation had been low because of a blizzard and scheduled closures. "We are now open our regular hours," Hensler told commissioners, and she thanked county staff, volunteers and the Riley County Historical Society for help with the installation.
Hensler introduced Carly Farren as the new curator of archives and library. Farren, Hensler said, holds a B.A. in history and an M.A. in museum and artifact studies and has prior curatorial and archival experience with museums on the East Coast and in the United Kingdom. Hensler said the county's curator vacancy search drew 90 applicants and that the society approved deaccession of 12 objects that did not meet collections criteria.
On collections and facilities, Hensler said the renovation uncovered items stored behind modular walls that lacked a curatorial purpose; the historical society's board approved removing 12 objects (including large items such as pianos and farming implements) following committee review. She said the museum does not discard items but seeks to return them to donors or transfer them to other organizations with stronger connections to the objects.
Hensler described ongoing building work: public-works staff assisted with gallery lighting, and the Riley County Historical Society funded repainting and repair of the museum's front portico. She said the museum is not submitting funding requests at this time but noted potential future conversations about gallery-floor repairs to address wax stains left by long-standing modular units.
Hensler closed by listing upcoming public programs, including a Historic Preservation Summit on Feb. 26 focused on cemetery preservation and a March 11 "fireside chat" event; she invited commissioners and the public to attend.
