Work ongoing on future Clack Museum location

The H. Earl Clack Memorial Museum Board discussed at its meeting Monday work being done on the former Griggs Printing Building on the 10 Block of Fifth Avenue, where the museum will eventually move.

H. Earl and Margaret Turner Clack Memorial Museum Foundation President Elaine Morse said the asbestos abatement of the building will be next Monday, May 17, but the removal of the building’s lead-based paint will have to wait a bit longer due to scheduling complications.

Morse said the asbestos is the more pressing issue, so it’s better to get that issue out of the way first.

She also discussed a number of more specific issues regarding the work that will be necessary for the building, including replacing the old lighting with more energy efficient LEDs which she said NorthWestern Energy will likely be willing to help with.

She also said decisions will need to be made about the layout of the future museum’s reception and office areas.

Board members discussed ideas but eventually agreed that it may be worth it to go to the building in order to better visualize the space they are working with before making any final decisions.

Morse said she’s trying to make sure the next foundation meeting is held there, just before work on the asbestos abatement properly starts, and she invited board members to attend so they can get a look at the space.

She said the foundation will not be holding its annual Hands on History or Digging Up History events this year and the new building is now their primary concern.

The next meeting of the board will be June 14 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of Havre Inn and Suites.

Board Chair Lela Patera said committees will be assigned at that meeting to elect new officers in July.