Riley County Museum reopens exhibit, hires new curator and deaccessions 12 objects

Catherine Hensler, director of the Riley County Museum, told the county commission on Feb. 13 that the museum reopened Feb. 8 after a six-week closure to install a new exhibit and complete preservation work.

"We really do appreciate the support," Hensler said, thanking county staff and volunteers for work on lighting, moving, painting and other preparations. She reported January visitation of 73 people and said reopening events drew 119 members to a Friday evening preview and 31 visitors on Saturday, Feb. 8.

Hensler also announced the museum filled its curator-of-archives-and-library position. "Our new curator of archives and library is Carly Farren," Hensler said, adding that Farren's first days coincided with the closure and that she brings a BA in history and an MA in museum and artifact studies and prior curatorial experience, including in the United Kingdom. The museum had been without a curator since the previous director retired Oct. 1; the search drew 90 applicants.

Collections and deaccession: Hensler said museum staff processed five backlog collections during the closure, handling 16 objects, and that the Historical Society board voted to deaccession 12 objects that did not meet collections criteria (including large items such as pianos and farming implements). "We do not throw things away," Hensler said; staff first contact donors and, failing that, contact other regional organizations to donate the items.

Facilities and repairs: Hensler said Public Works assisted with gallery lighting and that the front portico repainting and repair was 100% funded by the Riley County Historical Society. She also noted permanent wax stains on the gallery floor from modular exhibit walls and said the museum will use runners and area rugs now and may later present options to commissioners for floor improvements.

Programs and events: Hensler reviewed program attendance and outreach plans and announced upcoming public events: a Historic Preservation Summit on Feb. 26 at Union Hall focused on cemetery preservation, and a March 11 "fireside chat" (details and speaker to be confirmed). She also said the Historical Society is recruiting for a technical management manager with applications accepted through March 1 and a hiring goal of April 1.

Why it matters: The museum's reopening, new curator hire and deaccession decisions affect county cultural resources, collections stewardship and public programming. The museum's report provided baseline visitation and collections activity after an extended closure.