Supporters of the Park House Museum enjoyed a St. Patrick’s themed event last week, but the museum needs more money to help pay for its repairs.
The “St. Patrick’s Tales and Tunes from Ireland” fundraiser was held last Friday night at Downtown Espresso Café with approximately 30 people in attendance. Master storyteller Olwyn Coughlin told several St. Patrick’s Day stories with musical interludes coming from Phil Kasurak, Joe Perry and Jeff Wilkinson throughout the two-hour event.
Proceeds go to the museum’s roof fund as the roof is in poor condition. Curator Stephanie Pouget-Papak said a partial roof collapse occurred in the dining room area of the building, causing the ceiling to come down as well.
“We’ll have a delayed opening this year,” said Pouget-Papak.
Early estimates to repair the roof and ceiling are in the $100,000 range, but Pouget-Papak said they will have a firmer idea once repair crews take a closer look at the roof.
“That’s an estimate,” she said. “We’ll know once they get in there.”
There had been a small leak and an emergency repair already performed but problems persisted to where the roof and ceiling partially collapsed. Artifacts were moved out of the way just to be safe, she added, but they wanted to keep as much as they could away from the hole.
“It’s the business of old buildings,” said Pouget-Papak.
A student was in the museum at the time and heard “a commotion” only to discover the hole and ceiling damage when they came over to look.
The Park House Museum is going ahead with the roof repair with fundraisers and donations helping to offset the repair costs. Last Friday night’s fundraiser had been scheduled for the museum itself with Coughlin being credited for working with Downtown Espresso to have the performance moved there.
“She did most of the leg work,” said Pouget-Papak. “Downtown Espresso let us hold our event here.”
Pouget-Papak also was happy with Coughlin’s performance and that of the musicians.
“Olwyn does a great job,” added Pouget-Papak. “Phil, Joe and Jeff are just a phenomenal trio.”
Despite the delay in opening the museum for the 2024 season, Pouget-Papak said they will still be able to offer their “Music off the Back Porch” series starting in May. Those monthly music events in the spring, summer and fall see donations benefit the museum.
Donations to the Park House Museum’s roof fund are still welcome as fundraising efforts are ongoing. Pouget-Papak said people can donate through the Park House’s website at www.parkhousemuseum.com or by mailing a cheque to Park House Museum, 214 Dalhousie St., Amherstburg, ON, N9V 1W4.
Fundraiser held for new Park House Museum roof
By Ron Giofu