Embedded Files
As the primary repository for the Washburn Library Archive, the Washburn Legacy Library houses a myriad of first-hand accounts of roughly 100 years of life at Norlands and in its surrounding community. There are documents containing exchanges between major political figures and members of the Washburn family, as well as intimate letters between themselves as a family, during a major upheaval in our American history.
You can help preserve this history.
Why Now?
Why Now?
Below you can see a sampling of the deterioration the building is currently experiencing. It has been over 50 years since the last restoration attempts. These issues will only get worse over time, and quick action on the most critical repairs must be taken to preserve the functionality of this important library.
Damaged iron fencing on the roof of the building
Peeling interior walls and damage to portraits
Damage to and holes in the ceiling structure
Campaign Details
Campaign Details
The Washburn Legacy Library Campaign is a targeted capital campaign. All funds raised through the Campaign will be dedicated to both much needed repairs to the structural integrity of the Library, but also to digitally preserve, for posterity and public education, the valuable contents of the archive. The WLLC consists of a funding request for three mission-critical activities at Norlands.
1. Begin much needed structural repairs of the Library proper.
2017 architectural restoration estimates have placed the complete restoration work at approximately $1 million. We anticipate those costs to have risen to an estimated $2 million. However, this Campaign aims to raise funding for the most critical repairs necessary to keep the Library open to the general public. At this time, we have estimated Phase 1 restoration to stabilize the structural integrity of the Library. This estimate has led us to our 2022 funding goal of $250,000.
2. Digitize the archive.
The WLLC will contribute to dedicated staffing resources at Norlands through a newly created position, the Historic Research & Curatorial Manager. This position allows Norlands to commit completely to digitally preserving primary-source archival materials. Once digitized, Washburn family members will be able to access the digital library from across the globe. School age educational programming can integrate primary documents into activities for wider availability to schools wishing to integrate the Washburn history into lesson plans.
3. Bring it to life. To truly bring the archive to life, Norlands needs to sustain staffing capacity dedicated to presenting the newly digitized archive in a user-friendly and engaging digital education experience, a Digital Education Coordinator. Digitized primary materials will be used as new content for school-age and public education available online and in connection with living history on-site activities. Source materials will be highlighted in newsletters and online communication platforms.
The Washburn Legacy Library was built as a memorial to the family and as a testament to the family’s enduring values. With your help, we can continue to honor that Legacy.
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