The museum's collection is currently stored on the 2nd floor of the Wirt Street part of the building, in the former Odd Fellows Meeting Hall (20 x 37 x 11 feet). The museum collection has grown considerably over the past 42 years, and the space is no longer adequate. The Town has contracted with Joe Madigan Construction Company to do repair work on the floor to begin April 2010. We cannot return the collection to this space after repairs are completed in June.

The off-site collections storage site requirements:

• At least 1200-1400 square feet
• Floors that can accept 125 psf (concrete floor would be best)
• Secure location (for collection and staff)
• Temperature & humidity controlled space
• Bathroom
• IT hook ups (cable or wifi for internet, security systems)
• In or close to Leesburg
• Loading dock or wide entrance door (wide enough for furniture, dollys, etc.)
• 3-5 year lease for space (donated, low fee, combination of free rental and donated rental fees)
• If on the second or higher floor, there must be large freight elevator with limited/controlled access

In short, the museum needs a concrete/brick "box" with a small office area, a work space large enough to accommodate a large work table, and a separate, large storage space. We can install a temporary wall and possibly a dropped ceiling to create two spaces in a large warehouse space. This allows us to keep the collections storage area at a lower temperature and limit lighting, and still have a comfortable, well-lighted space for staff to work on objects.

To offer space or suggestions, learn more about the tax benefit of donating storage space, please contact Pam Stewart at pstewart@loudounmuseum.org or 703-777-7427.