Jim Lynch and Joe Chistolini of Union Local 41 work on the electrical installation inside the new elevator cab at BRAM in Ludlow. Photo by Ralph Pace
Ludlow — After years of working to raise the funds to install an elevator for easy access to a three-story collection of local history, Black River Academy Museum is within weeks of seeing that dream become a reality.
The elevator cab, being installed by Baystate Elevator Company working Wright Construction of Mt. Holly, is located in the new wing in the rear of the historic BRAM building.
According to BRAM’s Anita Alic, “We could not have accomplished the installation of this elevator without the help and support of our many private donors and local businesses. Also, we benefited from the generosity of the Ludlow Enterprise Fund, the Vermont Cultural Facilities Coalition and the State of Vermont who awarded us a generous $18,000 grant and the Walter Cerf Community Fund.”
According to Alec, a special elevator celebration event will be held June 2, the museum’s opening day for the 2012 season
“The installation was delayed from our December 2011 completion date as Bay State was occupied with repairs related to Hurricane Irene damage. We now expect an operable elevator by the end of February," she said.
The addition of the elevator will make BRAM fully compliant with ADA-access requirements and offer the opportunity for all the visitors to the museum to view the three floors of exhibits offered by BRAM.
Museum Director Georgia Brehm said, “our area school students will be allowed to see and appreciate the artifacts of the past that have helped shape the present they live in.”
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