BRAM Elevator Installation Nears Completion

After many years of working to raise the funds to install an elevator so that people could see the wonders of its three floor collection of area history, Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) is within weeks of seeing that dream become a  reality.  Pictured above are Jim Lynch and Joe Chistolini, proud members of local 41 in Worcester, MA., as they work on the electrical installation of the new elevator cab at BRAM.  The cab, being installed by Baystate Elevator, working with BRAM's general contractor, Wright Construction of Mt Holly, is located in the new wing in the rear of the historic BRAM building.  According to Anita Alic, BRAM leader on the elevator installation, "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 VT Cultural Facilities Coalition and the State of Vermont who awarded us a generous $18,000 grant and the Walter Cerf Community Fund.  We are planning an 'Elevator Celebration' on Saturday June 2^nd, the museum’s opening day for the 2012 season, so mark your calendar."  She added that "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."   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 was particularly pleased that the elevator now means that "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".