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Jackson Homestead unveils new Newton exhibit, seeks basement rehab completion and collections care funding
Summary
Museum staff said the new "Newton City, New Make" exhibit has increased visitation; a CPA-funded basement rehab is on track for December 2026 and an IMLS matching grant will fund a freezer to preserve textiles; the museum's budget was advanced by straw vote.
Museum staff told the committee the Jackson Homestead's new exhibit "Newton City, New Make" is drawing visitors and that construction to rehabilitate the museum basement (CPA-funded) is on schedule for completion in late 2026. Staff said the museum won a roughly $135,000 Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) matching grant, and the FY27 budget includes funds to buy a freezer for textile-pest mitigation to meet grant match requirements.
Staff emphasized outreach to schools and community groups to maintain and grow visitation and said the museum will install additional outdoor history signs across village areas as funding and staff capacity allow. Committee members discussed potential locations for signage and offered to help identify funding partners.
The museum budget and CIP items were advanced on a straw vote. Staff will return with timing for the basement re-opening and further details on signage and collections care.
