WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — If these artifacts at the Thomas T. Taber Museum in Williamsport could talk, they'd tell stories about historical events and Lycoming County's past.
"We're trustees, we don't own them of course, they're owned by the whole county, and we take our trusteeship very seriously even if the item's not on display we have to have appropriate storage, and so we have humidity controls, we have burglar alarm, fire alarm," said Gary Parks executive director, Thomas T. Taber Museum.
Staff are also responsible for taking care of the building as a whole, since it's also a part of history.
"This building replaced Lumberman's Mansion and so in 1960-65, they built this building—it's fireproof," said Parks.
But just like with any more than 50-year-old building.
"The roof started leaking, we attempted to find where the leak is coming from, but leaks can migrate on a steel beam or in a different section of the roof and so you don't exactly know where the problem exists," said Parks.
After dealing with water stains and possible damage to artifacts, it was time to fix the pesky problem—and they did just that. Now it's time to fix the second half of the roof—but that comes with a hefty price tag of over $300,000.
"Keep in mind that even though we're the county historical society, we get a small stipend from the county commissioners, we get $1,000 from Williamsport, and the rest of the money we have to raise through memberships, and admissions, and grant money," said Parks.
Which is why they're asking for donations, big or small. For more information on the roof repairs at the Thomas T. Taber Museum, click here.