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MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE MUSEUM AND LEARNING CENTER UPDATE 10-27-09 At the Board of Directors Meeting on September 22, it was agreed that the “guard room, TT room and the desk area” was to be refinished in the effort to preserve and stabilize the building. New walls will be installed, required electrical and lighting will be installed, wood trim where required, and painting. Also at this time the doorway leading from the front reception area will be expanded to the proper width required by the handicap access regulations for public buildings. However, public access to the building will not be accomplished until all major requirements are met. Completion of this work will expand the display area for Ed Montague displays. This will also allow members of the MSP and Former Troopers to visit the area. Phil Cahill is the manager of this project, and Ed Montague continues to gather artifacts and create displays, and will contribute to this project. We are still anxious to have members become more involved, please contact the following to participate. philipcahill@comcast.net, Ed Montague, eddiemax@comcast.net and rbarry25@comcast.net. Jack Crawford continues to be a strong representative of the Museum. In recent weeks he created a speaking program designed to familiarize audiences with the Museum. He has spoken to the Northbridge/Uxbridge/Douglas and Milford Rotary Clubs. These towns are all located in The Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor. Jack reports that interest in the Museum is high and that several potential donors have been identified. If anyone has access to similar groups, let us know, Jack will be more than happy to provide his information format. In B Troop, Committee member, Trooper Mark Weiner coordinated Museum participation in the annual ”Tuna Car Show” operated by Charlie Sumares and held on the grounds at Smith & Wesson. The Museum purchased several MSP items for a raffle at this function. Frank McVeigh and Steve Byron made the purchases. Steve Byron transported the prizes and the display received from Ed Montague to the site of the show. MSP Fleet Section delivered the 1951 Cruiser to participate in the show. Several other MSP vehicles and Troopers also participated. Steve Byron and The Former Troopers “ Ironman,” Dino Ciocci, spent the entire hot day at the Museum Display. Once again our 1951 drove away with the “Oldest Cruiser Award”. The Museum Committee appreciates the assistance of the following. Major Leonard Von Flatern, Troop B Commander, Lt. Steven Hughes, B3 Station Commander Sgt. Christopher Sanchez & Trooper David Sanford,,C.A.R.S., MSP Fleet Section and Steve Byron and Dino Ciocci. Further information will be provided by Byron and Weiner for the enhancement of this and similar activities and the results of the raffle and other potential donations from this show. With less detail, we also thank all those that supported and participated in the BIG E. As reported previously the architectural plans to bring the Grafton building into compliance as a public access facility have been completed and a Budget of $400,000 is required for this project. This will require a major fund raising effort. We welcome all suggestions and ideas in this regard, please provide whatever thoughts you might have. Jack Crawford and others have been asked , “when will the Museum open.’ The following is a suggested reply.” We would to be able to set a date for the Museum opening, however it is dependent upon our ability to raise the $400,000 renovation Budget. Progress that has been made since 2008 when we began to occupy the building follows. A Former Trooper and member of the Committee has donated a state of the art electronic alarm system, we have acquired a Data Based Inventory Control System, which is designed for Museums. Artifacts of written documents and equipment continue to be contributed to the Museum, an increase in this action began once we occupied the building. This has allowed displays to be created and positioned in the building. A fleet of cruisers is being developed, presently there is a 1930, 1940, and 1950 cruisers being maintained at MSP Fleet Division. These vehicles have been on display at numerous City, Town and other civic activities. On display now, and when the Museum opens to the public, visitors will be greeted by a life size, State Police Uniformed Mannequin, in the likeness and voice of retired Sgt. Dan Clark. Dick Barry
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