Carnegie Museum completes phase II of capital campaign

FAIRFIELD — The Carnegie Museum Foundation announced Friday that it had completed the second phase of its fundraising campaign to make improvements to the Carnegie Historical Museum.

Members of the foundation met with representatives of the Greater Jefferson County Foundation and Carnegie Historical Museum Board to celebrate the occasion. A large thermometer at the museum shows how far the foundation has come in raising money. The foundation has set a goal of $1 million.

The cost for phase II is just over $200,000 and focuses on repair work to the southwest corner of the museum. In addition to the Lee Gobble Charitable Remainder Trust (managed by the GJCF), funds came from the City of Fairfield’s local-option sales tax funds, the Carnegie Museum Foundation, GJCF grant disbursement, and MidWestOne Bank.

The Carnegie Museum Foundation is currently fundraising for phase III to maintain the building completed in 1892. These three phases are the first major repairs to the structure since opening 130 years ago.

According to a news release from the foundation, the architect’s phase III cost estimate is $622,000, barring unforeseen price increases.

“Phase II made the building structurally sound, however, phase III is for improvements to preserve the building’s integrity,” noted the news release. “Phase III work includes tuck pointing, new windows, parapet (roof guard rail) repair, and brick repair/cleaning. This will complete the restoration to preserve the building for another 130 years.”

Gloria Countryman, President of Carnegie Museum Foundation Board of Directors, reminds community members “that the Carnegie Building is the most important artifact of the Carnegie Historical Museum.” She said the mission of the Foundation is to work with the City of Fairfield in preserving and maintaining the building.

“We are involved in grant writing as well as a major fundraising campaign to fund the Phase III repairs,” she said. “We encourage members of the community to donate towards this campaign. This museum tells the story of our past, our today and will continue telling our story for future generations to explore and discover.”

Those interested in learning more about the Carnegie Capital Campaign can contact Jake Schmidt at 641-472-6343.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com