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Resident raises concerns about outdoor museum artifacts; Historical Society pledges repairs
Summary
A resident told the Smithfield council that a century-old family grain cleaner stored outdoors is deteriorating; the Historical Society president apologized and offered to coordinate repairs and improved protection while museum renovations continue.
During public comment at the April 8 Smithfield City Council meeting, resident David Forrester said donated large artifacts at the Smithfield museum are being stored outdoors and exposed to the elements, citing a family grain cleaner that has been in his family for more than 100 years and exposed for about 20 years.
Forrester said he shared photos with the council and expressed frustration that funds used for interior renovations did not address outdoor preservation. He said the situation raised concerns about future donations but added he was willing to take the item back and restore it.
Jeff Gittins, who identified himself as president of the Historical Society, apologized, thanked Mr. Forrester and the family for their donations, and said the grain cleaner is too large to store inside though it is currently covered. Gittins said he would work with the Public Works Department to reposition the artifact so Mr. Forrester could repair it and would explore improved weather protection for outdoor pieces. He also thanked Public Works and City Manager Justin Lewis for assistance and reported that artifacts are cataloged and numbered.
Gittins provided an update on the Douglass Mercantile Building renovation, noting multiple subcontractors are working on the site and that the goal is to open the museum in time for Health Days. He said the Historical Society has presented exhibits (including “Smithfield Yellow Brick Homes”) and reported them learning about federal tax credits for historic preservation. Councilmembers and staff discussed stabilizing an old log cabin at Heritage Park and requested cost estimates for repairs; Gittins said he would coordinate on an estimate and prioritize stabilization.
Councilmembers invited the Historical Society to prepare a long-term plan for historic building management and artifact storage; no formal council action was taken at the April 8 meeting.
