During a recent board meeting, officials addressed urgent concerns regarding significant leaks in the museum's roof, which require immediate attention to prevent damage to irreplaceable artifacts. The board approved a contract with Jna Northwest, a reputable organic roofing company from Wisconsin, to implement a maintenance plan that includes annual inspections and repairs. The plan offers warranties of up to 20 years, extendable to 60 years if no structural damage occurs.

The museum has previously received $30,000 in funding from the board, but officials are now seeking an increase to $40,000 to help cover the roof repair costs. The current financial situation is strained, with the museum relying heavily on donations and the revenue generated by its café, which has been a vital source of income.

Despite challenges, including a noticeable drop in visitor numbers due to nearby highway construction, the museum has maintained regular operations without disruptions. The new museum director expressed a commitment to enhancing programming and outreach, particularly to local schools, to increase visitor engagement and interest in history-based activities.

Additionally, the board discussed the need for better financial management and tracking of visitor statistics to improve budgeting and funding requests. The museum's ongoing efforts to modernize its operations include plans for a collaborative online platform to promote Pine County history and genealogy, which aims to attract more visitors and volunteers.

The meeting underscored the museum's importance as a cultural asset to the community, with board members recognizing the dedication of past and current staff in maintaining the facility and its collections.