Historical Commission Agenda and Packet 2016 08 03 JT

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Page 33 of 150 The vision for the Museum includes the idea that the focal point will be the buildings of the Museum campus and that a satellite location of the Museum will not be created in another part of the City. Similarly, the Museum collections should be stored at the Museum and not in a remote location, not owned by the City, where they would become much less accessible as well as potentially unsecure or susceptible to physical threats such as insects or moisture. It is an important goal to bring the Museum's work, programs, and projects together at the Museum instead of increasing fragmentation and inefficiencies. It is expected that the implementation of the interpretive strategies, and the completion of the improvements to the Museum campus that are proposed in the Needs Assessment Report, will require increases in operational funding and parking. Practical Implementation of the Interpretive Plan in the Community House The Community House building will serve as the main Visitor Center building. It will connect people to history and will be an important asset for the community. The focal point of the first floor would be programming space for about 30 people with a communal table in order to emphasize conversations with visitors as the primary interpretive strategy of the Museum. The table can be part of a program, or moved out of the way when needed. An entire school class could be welcomed to the Museum and introduced to key concepts in this space instead of being immediately broken up. This space would also be the site of classes, programs, meetings, and workshops. The space is also a possible revenue generator through rentals. The building is not yet designed, but inspiration for a design can be found in elements of the "Big House" that use to be on the site and in the fact that buildings in downtown Louisville tend to be narrow, deep, and come close to the sidewalks. An emphasis on using the back door of the building would echo the ways in which Louisville residents have traditionally used them. This building will exhibit framed Louisville High School composite class photos. These are of great interest to the public, but the majority of these photos are currently in storage due to lack of wall space in the existing buildings. It will also exhibit the Rex Theatre curtain as a backdrop for the communal table on the ground floor. For the first time, food will play an important role inside the Museum, which seems particularly appropriate given the culture and history of Louisville. Food will be permitted at events, receptions, parties, and programs in the Community House, as many people have come to expect from museums in other cities. (Due to space and budget limitations, it is not anticipated that a full kitchen will be possible to include, however.) Students will be able to eat their packed lunches at the Museum as part of a school tour, which is not possible now. To help visitors, the Community House will have information about other things to do in the Louisville area and sample menus from Louisville restaurants provided in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Association. The Community House will include a mechanical room, dedicated janitorial closet, and an elevator to be used for transporting artifacts and for accessibility. The basement would provide dedicated collections 25