It's an exciting time at the Cable Natural
History Museum!
After several years of careful consideration and planning, we are
working on the Doorways to Discovery Capital Campaign that will
raise the resources needed for construction of a brand-new museum
facility.
For nearly 40 years, the Cable Natural History Museum operated
out of a facility adjacent to the Forest Lodge Library in downtown
Cable. In that time, the Museum’s audience, membership, and
programming have steadily grown. In recent years, that growth has
resulted in the need to rent off-location storage and work space;
hold some meetings and programs at other, larger facilities; and
curtail any expansion of our collections.
The Museum building, modern in 1971 when it was built, has been
used up to and beyond its physical and functional limits. One of
the Museum’s long-held strategic goals has been to earn accreditation
through the American Association of Museums, but the lack of space
and environmental controls at our current location prevent us from
taking this important step. Our flat-topped building also struggled
against the harsh weather extremes of our region and maintenance
and repair expenses became ever-increasing budget items.
So, after much discussion and consideration of input from architects,
engineers, and contractors, the Museum’s Board of Directors
in 2005 reached a consensus opinion that constructing a new facility
would offer substantial benefits over choosing to repair, upgrade,
and expand a 40-year-old building. For example, the new building
will take advantage of modern efficiencies and energy-saving designs,
including solar orientation and super-efficient utilities. It will
comply with various codes set for public facilities, and include
design features particular to the needs of modern museums.
Doorways to Discovery is the Museum campaign to raise funds to
further this plan. Since 2005, the Board has devoted its considerable
energy and expertise toward developing this campaign, and is dedicated
to its success.
Our board, staff, members, and residents and visitors of our community
are pledging their support to the Doorways to Discovery Campaign;
we hope you will join them.
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