Bennington Museum Temporary Closing12:00AM / Monday, December 26, 2005
While the population-at-large might want to hibernate right now, big things are going on at the Bennington Museum.In order to install a state-of-the art sprinkler system in all galleries and storage areas the museum will close January 1, 2006 and reopen the last weekend in February with the popular student art show.
The new system is a dry pipe double interlock pre-action system.This system basically needs three things to happen before water will be released from the pipe. First, smoke and heat censors must detect abnormalities,and then water is pumped into dry pipes. If the sensor or sprinkler then registers a temperature above a specific level, an individual sprinkler will activate.
The dry pipe system ensures that there are no leakages into the galleries since there is no water in the pipes. Also the likelihood of false alarms is virtually eliminated with the three-step system, ensuring that priceless paintings and artifacts remain safe.
The new sprinklers will not be added to the administrative offices, lobby, or public reception areas as systems have been recently installed there.
In addition to the new system installation, exhibition areas
will be improved. Renovations to the changing exhibit area will enable the museum to take on larger exhibits in the future. Larger exhibit areas make it easier to show exhibits such as "Booming Out: Mohawk Iron Workers Build New York", a traveling Smithsonian exhibit, being held at the Bennington Museum from May 20 through July 16, 2006. Despite the galleries being closed for viewing during this time, there will still be events and activities for the public at the museum.
The Vermont Filmmaker Series continues with programs on January 20 with Walter Ungerer and Michael Fisher, and February 17 with Deb Ellis and John Douglas. The Bennington Historical Society will have some enlightening programs as well. One on January 20 will be presented by Victor Rolando, a Vermont industrial archaeologist, who plans to speak on the Burden Iron Works. On February 16, Michael Fox Kennedy will perform as Abraham Lincoln in his play "Even we here…..". The play's language comes directly from Lincoln's own words.
Come join the fun for a light, exciting evening at the
Bennington Bridal Fair on February 22, from 5-8:00 p.m. If you or someone you know is planning a wedding this is the place to be. Area vendors will be on site to demonstrate their services. A perfect way to shop for wedding services in one place, on one night. Light refreshments will be served.
The research library may be used by appointment during this
time. School groups can still contact our Programs Coordinator Deana Flanders about organizing in-school educational programs.
Our events calendar is constantly updated on the website. Check frequently for things going on at the museum during this busy time.
The Bennington Museum is located at 75 Main St. (Route 9) one mile west of the intersection of Routes 7 and 9 in downtown Bennington, Vermont. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. For more information, visit the website at www.benningtonmuseum.org.
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