James Grimstead, chairman, provides this update on the
progress of the James Solomon Russell - Saint Paul's College Museum and
Archives. The purpose of the museum is to preserve and honor the legacy
of Archdeacon James Salomon Russell and the archives of Saint Paul's
college, which Russell founded.
The floor plan for the museum display rooms has been
completed. Earlier the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors approved
using the former school board office at 219 North Main Street for the
museum. The museum was granted 501(c)3 federal tax exempted status in
April 2017 and has obtained membership in the Virginia Association of
Museums.
"This membership gives us direct association with over 2000
other museums in the state of Virginia. It offers training in all
aspects of museum operations, gives us access to equipment donations
from other museums, and provides school credit to students who visit the
museum," said Grimstead.
Another significant accomplishment this year was to purchase a
computer system to catalog the archives. With over thousands of items
to catalog, the process will take several months. The museum committee
also now has an email address: jsrspc1888@gmail.com.
Grimstead said the next goals are to set up a grant-writing
committee, obtain showcases for displays, and to set up a committee to
organize the grand opening, tentatively set for May 2018.
