Minnesota: Redwood County Museum

It all began when city of Redwood Falls, MN, decided to sell its large brick Carnegie Library building and build a new library that was handicap accessible.

Every fixture in the old library was to be sold. 

One of members of McPhail’s Mill #1097 came up with the idea of buying some of the tall, sturdy oak shelving and use it to house a collection of dishes and glassware that would be displayed at the Redwood County Museum. 

The museum was on the chapter’s radar when years earlier it was discovered that the museum, which was not open in the winter months, had ceiling plaster that was cracking and peeling.   At that time the chapter was motivated to apply for an international Preservation and Restoration grant and was overjoyed to receive $5,000.00 to complete the plaster restoration project.

At this time, they also realized that the museum was rearranging and reorganizing its exhibits and that there was a small empty room that they acquired permission to use.

Fueled by excitement, the chapter’s treasury funds purchased 5 shelving units and had them installed in the small room.  Next, they went about donating and soliciting one kind of China patterns and glass patterns.  Once the shelves were filled, labels were placed in front of each item describing the pattern and maker.

The last step was to have plexiglass covers fabricated that entirely covered the shelving.  This kept the items from being stolen and the necessity of cleaning annually. 

The chapter finished the project by adding an oriental carpet, small table, with bouquet of silk flowers and a chair to encourage guests of the museum to come, sit a while and learn about the beauty created in the past.