After a lengthy and expensive project, the Dugan Museum Mansion in Decatur now has a new roof that should last another 100 years or so!
After discovering some concerning leaks in the original roof of its museum mansion last November, the Adams County Historical Society began a project in January to completely replace the 124-year-old structure.
The work has been completed.
The project cost approximately $64,000 (including some pop-up repairs) and was entirely funded through donations and grants.
And the bill has “probably” been paid. “The last time I talked to our treasurer, we were just about $2,000 short,” said Sandy Collier, president of the historical society. “But we have someone who has said they will cover that.”
The Indiana Historical Society provided the latest grant of $4,999.
“The roof project’s completion ensures the preservation and continued use of the Charles Dugan Mansion as the Adams County Historical Society Museum, a valuable resource for local history and artifacts,” according to the organization’s website.
“Yes, I think we should be good for another 120 or so years,” Collier laughed.
The project was prompted by the discovery of leaks in November of last year. The original slate roof had developed leaks as a result of rusted nails and metal strips that had previously been installed and sealed with pitch but had failed over time.
“This is work that needs to be completed sooner rather than later,” museum officials stated at the time. “If the leaks are not repaired, the entire structure, along with the collections held within, will be jeopardized.”
So a three-phase project to completely replace the roof was decided upon and began in January.
The task was assigned to Coldwater, Ohio-based Wellman Brothers, Inc., which had previously worked at the museum.
“The roof project’s completion ensures the preservation and continued use of the Charles Dugan Mansion as the Adams County Historical Society Museum, a valuable resource for local history and artifacts.,” the society writes on its website.
“We are trying to be good stewards of our property,” Collier told WZBD.com.
Three more Sundays: The museum, located at 420 W. Monroe St., will be open to the public on August 3, 10, and 17.
The hours are 1–4 p.m.
Admission costs $5 per person (museum members and children aged 12 and under are free).
