ADA Compliant Wheelchair Lift Project
To broaden public access through an ADA-compliant wheelchair lift in the Fillmore County History Center.
In 1986, the Fillmore County Historical Society purchased the former Fountain Elementary School building to house its museum and genealogy research library known as the Fillmore County History Center. The building's original gymnasium arena was renovated to function as the principal exhibit area. A mezzanine was erected above this room, thereby utilizing gymnasium ceiling space for the installation of balcony exhibit bays. The degree of funding available at the time (based solely on private donations or fund raising efforts) effectively limited the scope and potential of the renovation, particularly in regard to access of the new area. The mezzanine was finished with a single access of a flight and a half of steps at the east end, with no other means of entrance or egress. Due to budgetary constraints at that time, installation of a lift or elevator at the opposite end of the arena wasn’t possible. However, a sheetrock hoist way enclosure with 3-inch pit is in place in preparation for future installation of a wheelchair lift. The grant allowed for Fillmore County Historical Society to complete the installation of a ADA-compliant wheelchair lift.
(b) Statewide Historic and Cultural Grants. (i) $2,250,000 in 2010 and $4,500,000 in 2011 are appropriated for history programs and projects operated or conducted by or through local, county, regional or other historical or cultural organizations; or for activities to preserve significant historic and cultural resources. Funds are to be distributed through a competitive grants process. The Minnesota Historical Society shall administer these funds using established grants mechanisms, and with assistance from the advisory committee created herein.