Proponents of the Chillicothe-Ross Military Tribute Museum approached council again, Monday evening, January 22nd.
Melody Hatfield explained that they after they have organized in preparation to create the museum, they are now asking for an anticipatory lease from the city.
As city facilities are moved into the former “Pepsi Building” on East Seventh Street, the city-owned brick historical building at the jog of Park Street is planned to be vacated.
Hatfield said that for them to try to get some grants for the museum, they need a lease – even is it is unknown when they could occupy the building.
Hatfield has been helping to lead plans to transform the headquarters for city water and sewer services into a military museum next to Veterans Park. Formerly Melody Lapczynski, Hatfield worked on getting Chillicothe designated a “Purple Heart City” recently.
Bob Leach, local veterans coordinator, Army vet, and former Huntington teacher, is also leading the effort.
Air Force veteran and Common Pleas Judge Michael Ater spoke to council in favor of the project, as one of the sponsors of it. So did retired Common Pleas Judge Jhan Corzine, who pointed out he was not a vet, but his son Holden was an army veteran who committed suicide in 2016.
In the January 8th council session, the group also spoke to familiarize themselves with new council members. They have shared draft renderings of what they would like to create between Yoctangee Parkway and Park Street, south of Chestnut Street.
Note: As an architectural historian / local historian, I have been offering advice to the incipient Ross-Chillicothe Military Tribute Museum. I’m also a historical preservationist, member of the tourism industry, and on the board of another small museum in Chillicothe…so I may be a little biased in wanting them to succeed.
Find the article on the Scioto Post.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.
1 of 3 Corzine speaks to council in favor of the Chillicothe-Ross Military Tribute Museum January 22nd, 2024.
2 of 3 A preliminary rendering of what could be done with the city-owned building next to Veterans Park – a view up Park Street (from Water Street) of the renovated building.
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