The McCormick School Museum has received a donation that will allow it to move forward on several key projects, including a security system, masonry repair, accessibility, an audio-visual system and a sign to advertise the museum.
In a news release, the museum said it had received “a generous donation from the Langel family, who became interested in our community effort to restore this wonderful, historic building.”
“We are thrilled at the prospect of having a state-of-the-art security system of cameras and lighting to protect the facility. Unfortunately, the facility has been vandalized several times suffering substantial damage. We trust that the cameras and lighting will be a deterrent and provide much-needed protection for the museum and its historic contents.”
The AV system will be installed in the auditorium and a platform lift will provide wheelchair access to all three floors. “Our goal is to become another uniquely historic venue for community events,” the news release stated.
The museum expects to begin replacing and repairing limestone masonry and deteriorated mortar this fall, and the building will also be cleaned to remove mold staining its exterior.
The museum, located in the former McCormick School at 855 S. Martinson, contains an 1890s era classroom, a replica of East High’s 1923 science laboratory, historic photographs and archives of USD 259. For more information, contact Cynthia Davie at (316) 708-0676.
