LA GRANGE - The Fayette Heritage Museum and Archives staff will give a tour of the archives when the Fayette County Historical Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, in the Fayette Public Library meeting room in La Grange.
The museum and archives is fortunate to have two large temperature-controlled vaults, each with a fire suppression unit. Additionally, there is a textiles room and a large artifacts room to house its collections. However, after more than 45 years of collecting photographs, documents and scrapbooks, the vaults were almost full. A mobile high-density shelving system for the downstairs vault was deemed the best solution for adding storage space. The museum and archives proceeded with the project thanks to a generous grant from the Second Chance Emporium, a donation from the Luck & Loessin Collection Trust, and numerous smaller donations. The new shelving was installed on carriages that move along three long tracks. Ergonomically designed rotating handles easily move the shelves. Unlike traditional shelves, these systems eliminate wasted aisle space to optimize storage. In this case, shelf space has nearly doubled. The vault also contains two new art racks and has room for a work table.
The existing shelving was recycled by moving it upstairs to the museum's artifacts room, storage area and workroom, where it was much needed.
The archives staff also plans to display some of the newer un-usual items in their collections for the historical commission meeting. The Fayette Public Library, Museum and Archives is located at 855 South Jefferson St. in La Grange. Please use the meeting room entrance on Franklin Street, which is toward the rear of the building.
