Phase II will add an additional 13,000+ square feet to the Museum facility, divided between the lower and main levels.  It will expand the museum on its east side and join the recently constructed Phase I on its southern exposure, extending the building addition toward Market Street along Metcalf Street.  This new construction will provide much needed exhibit space, including the following:

Railroad Exhibition Gallery

The story of Lima, OH is steeped in railroading and sharing this unique aspect of Allen County’s history has become a central draw for the Museum.  A primary focus of Phase II will be the Railroad Exhibition Gallery.  This exhibit will showcase the Society’s Shay locomotive, built in Lima in 1925.  The locomotive will be moved from its current shelter outside the museum to a key location inside the lower level of the Phase II building expansion.  The Shay will be visible from the intersection of Metcalf and Market Streets through a striking curved glass facade.  An open area above the Shay will permit visitors on the main level to look down on the locomotive display.  This exhibit will also explore the history of the third largest locomotive builder in the U.S. – the Lima Locomotive Works.  

Changing Exhibit Gallery

Of the Historical Society’s extensive collections, it is estimated that only four percent are publicly viewable or accessible. While this is not uncommon among historical institutions, the Allen County Historical Society desires the ability to display more of the unique and valuable items in its care.  The Phase II construction will also include a 3,000 square foot Changing Exhibit Gallery.  This gallery will afford the Museum the opportunity to display currently stored collections on a rotating basis; and more easily host traveling exhibits.

Business, Industry and Manufacturing Gallery

Industry has been an integral part of the fabric of Lima and the surrounding region.  As such, sharing the history of Allen County would be incomplete without highlighting the role of local business, industry and manufacturing.  New gallery space will allow this history to be adequately shared with future generations of Museum visitors.  The new construction will also include expanded gallery space for general exhibits, additional restrooms on the lower level, and a loading dock.

Phase III will renovate the existing portions of the 50-year-old Museum building (20,770 sq. ft.).  This much needed modernization will address critical building code issues, including asbestos removal, electrical/mechanical system updates and accessibility improvements.  With new exhibit space created by Phase II, existing galleries will be refurbished to seamlessly blend the existing building with the new facility.  A new “Main Street” theme will be developed on the lower level to showcase popular Museum exhibits, such as the Faurot Opera House, Doctor’s Office, Barber Shop, General Store, and a Firehouse.  In addition, the library archives area will be expanded and modernized.

The specific benefits of the planned Phase II and III expansion and renovation include:

•Larger space to display historical collections and provide for expanded programming

•Enhance the visitor experience and the educational value of the museum

•Attractive railroad exhibit featuring the locally built Shay locomotive

•Rotating gallery to display stored items, traveling exhibits and the ability to become a Smithsonian Affiliate

•New spaces for displays of Allen County business and industry, military and art collections

•Updated facility that meets current local and state building codes and provides improved accessibility

•More efficient climate-controlled environment that will improve the preservation of historical collections

•Renewed galleries of current exhibits

•Significantly contribute to the ongoing revitalization of the downtown Lima area

•Economic impact on Allen County through additional tourism

New Storage Facility   

In addition to the expansion and renovation of the current Museum facility, the Allen County Historical Society is also constructing a new storage facility to be located off-site.  For many years the Historical Society has had the benefit of using a privately owned building for off-site storage of historical artifacts at no cost.  In 2007, the board was notified that the owner would like full use of the building.  As such, the board has approved plans to construct a new storage facility to be located in a secure setting on land being provided by Allen County.

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