Inlet Historical Society Announces Recent Donation and Capital Improvements Project Needs
Herrstory Publications, a member of the IABA (Inlet Area Business Association), has made two donations totaling $2,500 to the Inlet Historical Society, which is dedicated to the replacement of computer equipment and for archiving materials needed by the Collections Committee. The Collections Committee is responsible for accessioning the artifacts, photos and other ephemera about the town history that has been generously donated by the public.
Charles Herr, speaking on behalf of Herrstory Publications, noted “I have benefited from the time, memories and materials given to me by Inlet folks who assisted my research for news articles, and ultimately my book, and I wanted to give back part of what I’ve gotten with its publication.” The society’s board, of which Herr is a member, has struggled with funding its mission to their collections and simultaneously making necessary capital improvements to their building, converting it from a former mercantile (Inlet Toggery, Adirondack Trading Post, Mouse in the Attic, etc..) structure to a museum. Herrstory Publications’ donation is intended to allow available society funding to be directed towards some required building improvements, and still have adequate funding for the board’s collection responsibilities.
At their last meeting, the IHS board set priorities for making the following needed capital improvements with estimated costs:
- Updating access to archival storage room on the second floor with the addition of stairway railings and steps that conform to code – estimated cost: $10,000;
- Addition of exterior rear exits from second floor and first floor for emergency escape in the event of fire – estimated cost: $15,000;
- Installation of tape and mudding to drywalls in the archival storage room on the second floor, install window screens, remove exposed wiring, install electrical fixtures and reinstall fluorescent lighting, construct additional shelving for artifact storage – estimated cost: $3,000;
- Paint upstairs and back room on first floor, provide adequate flooring for second story main room – estimated cost: $700.
Inlet Historical Society’s estimated annual operating costs average $13,000. The IHS annually receives approximately $10,000 from members’ generosity of dues and donations. Their only other revenue comes from the Inlet Classic Car Show & Cruise ($1,900) which is weather dependent, an annual raffle ($1,000) and the annual Billy’s benefit dinner. Their success from these sources relies on circumstances beyond their control. The 2019 financial results so far only permit them to allocate $2,200 for the above list of priorities.
The Inlet Historical Society opened the building in 2013, and during the next five years, with finacial help of members and public, the following improvements have been made: instlation of a new street sign ($4,300), new front doors and windows ($17,000), exterior staining of the building ($4,000), installation of heaters on both floors ($7500), new rear doors and windows ($3,500) and most recently new hot water and pressure tanks ($723) – total of about $37,000.
The Inlet Historical Society asks that members of the IABA consider helping us with funding the above important, listed items. We have had offers of volunteers wishing to perform some of the work. But, unfortunately, this will not be sufficient to complete all of the tasks. We have seen recently how the generosity of an IABA member made the difference in the Inlet community reaching its funding goal for the important Adirondack Emergency Communications Tower fund drive. The IHS asks that if you wish to make a similar difference by assisting them accomplish their needed building improvements, please contact their treasurer Mitch Lee to find how. Thank you for your generosity in the past and in the future.
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