Mount Holly Historical Society urges museum staffing and signage; council to review at April work session

The Mount Holly Historical Society asked the City Council on March 9 for a series of changes to make the society’s museum easier to find and better protected.

John Jacob, representing the historical society, told the council he wanted (1) a directional sign placed in the Grand Hall to guide visitors to the museum, (2) the society’s old exterior sign remounted near the museum entrance or updated wording on the existing marquee and door, and (3) a full-time staff person, preferably a trained archivist, to be on duty 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday to protect and interpret irreplaceable artifacts. “Get us somebody to protect our artifacts because they're irreplaceable,” Jacob said, noting several instances when the museum was unlocked or left unattended.

Jacob also described security and camera gaps inside the building and said IT is exploring indoor cameras but still needs to determine technical requirements and cost. He told the council that visitors have reported feeling uncomfortable being the only person in the museum during open hours.

Council members responded by consensus that a small directional sign could be placed in the Grand Hall immediately and that staff should research exterior mounting and staffing options for a follow-up discussion. Council members agreed to bring more detailed information to an April work session (council mentioned April 27 as a possible date to return with research). "We can absolutely do the small sign," Councilwoman Shoemaker said, while noting that hiring a dedicated staff person would require more deliberation.

The council did not make a hiring decision at the March 9 meeting; instead it directed staff to return with options and cost estimates for the work session. That follow-up is expected to cover interior and exterior signage, camera feasibility and costs, and staffing models for museum coverage.