From vintage dentistry equipment to Native American stone tools, a variety of Nettle Creek artifacts decorate the second floor of the Hagerstown Museum.
"Technically, if it doesn't have to do with the Nettle Creek area, we aren't interested," said museum manager Tom Butters. "People bring things in because they can't bear to throw them out."
The museum at 96 1/2 E. Main St. is housed in the former Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building erected in 1880, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The second floor served as Hagerstown's Community Center until 1915.
Today, the building is owned by Historic Hagerstown, Inc., Butters said. The museum occupies the second and third floors. Antiques are available for purchase from a shop on the first floor, and the Hagerstown Arts Place offers free painting classes and violin lessons there, as well.
But if finances don't improve, the museum could close.
"It takes a lot to keep this old building running," said Brent Meadows, museum board president. "If something doesn't change, we will be closing our doors within the next two to three years."
A not-for-profit organization, the museum relies on donations and memberships to stay afloat. Meadows said it costs between $40,000 and $50,000 annually to maintain heating, cooling and maintenance expenses. In the 1970s and 80s, Meadows said the museum received several large donations, but things have changed.
"People just don't flow through the museum anymore," Meadows said. "We just aren't seeing the interest, and we are having trouble reaching the people who are interested. Things are different now than they were 30 or 40 years ago."
In 2012, the museum took a hard hit when the building caught fire from neighboring Willie and Red's restaurant. The museum closed for a year during repairs, Meadows said. The building's attic, roof, several windows, and rafters were replaced, along with several windows. There was water damage in the walls and floors, as well as extensive smoke damage.
According to Meadows, the building has two main issues. It needs a heating and cooling upgrade, which would cost between $80,000 and $100,000. Additionally, the building doesn't have an elevator. The chair lift is unreliable, and steep stairs leading to the second and third floors deter some visitors. Meadows said installing an elevator would cost between $100,000 and $150,000.
Butters said the museum currently has about 50 members. An annual membership costs $25. Anyone who takes more than three painting classes or violin lessons at the Arts Place is required to purchase a membership, he said.
Some grants have been obtained, but Butters said it has been difficult to find grants that assist with building maintenance or developing new exhibits.
Meadows said an outside consultant is coming April 3 to assess the situation and discuss options. The museum is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, April through December. Tours and special programs are available upon request. Admission is free, although donations are accepted and tax deductible.
"It would be a nightmare if we had to shut the place down," Meadows said. "What would happen to the building and all the stuff?"
The museum is currently looking for new board members, as well as volunteers and financial support.