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Richmond approves memorandum of understanding to take stewardship of Whitehall Historic Site
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Summary
The Board approved Order 26-61 to enter an MOU with state agencies and Eastern Kentucky University to take ownership and operation of the Whitehall Historic Site; staff say a curator is hired and a tentative public opening is planned for mid-May.
The Richmond Board of Commissioners approved Order 26-61, authorizing the mayor to execute a memorandum of understanding among the Commonwealth (Department of Parks), Eastern Kentucky University and the City of Richmond for the transfer of the Whitehall Historic Site.
City Manager (name not stated) told commissioners the city has hired a curator and is working to transfer utilities and systems; he said, "If everything goes as planned, once the mayor and Chris sign this memo of understanding, we'll send it to Frankfort, and they'll circulate it, between the parties. And we should have control of the property next Monday." The manager also reported plans for a tentative opening around May 13.
Commissioners voted to approve the MOU by recorded assent. Staff noted inventory work has been completed and the city will integrate Whitehall into its historical property inventory and arrange ground maintenance and visitor services.
Why it matters: Whitehall is a local tourism asset; the transfer shifts operational responsibility to the city and triggers short-term tasks for utilities, artifact management and staffing.
What happens next: Mayor will sign the MOU and staff will work with Commonwealth officials to finalize the transfer and prepare the site for public access.
