Previous Story
Museum eyes new wing to display its artifacts
|
Posted on May 18 2006
The need for additional space to display a preponderance of historical documents and artifacts has led the CNMI Museum of History and Culture to propose the construction of a new wing or annex, to be dubbed Discovery Center.
Museum director Robert Hunter said Wednesday that the new facility would allow them to display items that are usually kept in storage rooms due to lack of space in the current building.
Hunter said his office wanted to hold an exhibit to showcase a majority of their collection the past two months, but the lack of space has hindered their plans.
Presently, only 40 percent of the museum’s historical documents and artifacts are displayed and exhibited.
The museum director said the remaining 60 percent are also significant because researchers and other visitors have sought their permission in the past to take a look and conduct research based on the artifacts and historical documents.
The proposed building is eyed to stand within the premises of the current museum. He said that, as of this time, he is waiting for the approval of a federal grant through the assistance of Northern Marianas Housing Corp.
Hunter said the proposed center is estimated to cost at least $700,000. Right now, the museum office has been renting for seven years a building outside the museum’s premises just to store majority of its artifacts and historical documents. Hunter said the office is renting the 3,700-square-foot building at a cost of $43,000 per year.
Hunter has been appointed to lead the museum two months ago, replacing Maggie Sablan, who now works in the private sector. Hunter is a former CNMI Arts Council director.
