GEARY COUNTY (KSNT) – A “catastrophic” elevator failure at a local museum has prompted staff to ask for help from the public to pay for emergency repairs.
Officials with the Geary County Historical Society report that the elevator at the museum, located at 530 North Adams St. in Junction City, broke down last month. Until they can afford to make costly repairs, the elevator will remain out of service and visitors can only reach all three floors of the museum by stairs.
Heather Hagedorn, executive director and curator at the Geary County Historical Society, told 27 News that on the morning of Aug. 15 a staff member noticed something was wrong. The Junction City Fire Department responded and found the elevator system was overheated. Firefighters identified the problem before it could cause a fire and no one was hurt.
“Fortunately, the majority of the incident happened while the museum was closed,” Hagedorn said. “It would have been much worse if people would’ve been stuck in there.”
(Photo Courtesy/Kim Heine)
Hagedorn said the historical society had kept up with elevator maintenance, but a series of blown fuses triggered by a power outage a few days earlier likely contributed to the 40-year-old elevator’s failure. It leaves the historical society with a big problem: restoring access to all visitors.
People of all ages and abilities rely on the elevator to access exhibits and attend programs like the annual historic murder mystery event. Hagedorn said until they can fix the elevator, visitors can only reach all three floors of the museum by stairs.
The historical society needs an estimated $150,000 to $200,000 for a complete modernization of the elevator system. Hagedorn said they are applying for grants that may help cover the cost. Meanwhile, the historical society is asking for help through an emergency fundraiser.
“Any help from the public is appreciated, as it’ll help get the elevator back up and running sooner,” Hagedorn said.
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Hagedorn said people can donate to the emergency elevator project online. The historical society’s annual Hot Dogs and Hot Rods Car Show fundraiser is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26. Proceeds from purchases at the event will benefit the historical society and the elevator project.
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