The dennison railroad depot museum will undertake a project to enhance access to its historical collections, archives, and educational programs

The Dennison Railroad Depot Museum Inc. received a $385,911 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301), effective October 1, 2025, with completion targeted for September 30, 2028. The award supports a three-year initiative to enhance public access to the museum's historical collections and educational offerings through strategic infrastructure and staffing improvements aligned with the institution's five-year strategic plan.

The primary deliverables include upgrading collections management software systems, acquiring digital equipment to facilitate full digitization of approximately 30,000 artifacts, and hiring cataloging and data entry staff to process collection materials. These activities will expand both in-person and online access to the museum's local history collections, improve internal operational efficiencies, and enhance service delivery to visitors, researchers, and the broader community in Dennison, Ohio.

This project is aligned with the museum's 5-year strategic plan and aims to improve public engagement, preservation, and accessibility. Key activities include upgrading collections management software, acquiring digital equipment for full digitization of 30,000 artifacts, and hiring additional staff for cataloging and data entry. These improvements will ensure broad access to the collections, both in-person and online, supporting widespread engagement with the museum's local history. By digitizing the museum's collections, expanding digital access, and improving internal efficiencies, staff will better serve visitors, researchers, and the community.