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(Waverly) – The need to remove a colony of bats at the Pike Heritage Museum has led to its closure until this project can be completed. Ironically, this comes in the 40th anniversary of the museum opening at 110 South Market Street in Waverly. The Pike Heritage Foundation, founded in 1983, operates Pike County’s only museum dedicated to the preservation of local history.
In 2022, the foundation was awarded funding from the state to complete much needed improvements. This funding was received through the leadership of Representative Shane Wilkin with support from the Pike County Commissioners and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. The award comes from the Ohio Biennial Capital Improvements Fund, and was earmarked for a new roof, gutters, downspouts, and a handicapped accessible entryway. In preparing for this work it was discovered that a large colony of bats had made the museum’s attic and bell tower their home. After consulting with various public officials and remediation companies, the Board of Trustees has elected to temporarily close the museum until the problem can be resolved.
“We have already engaged a company to assess and relocate the bats, eliminate their means of ingress, and dispose of any waste. This process will include identifying the species as some are federally protected and must be removed following approved protocols. The sole purpose of the museum’s closure is to ensure the safety of our volunteers and visitors.”
Once the bat nuisance is abated, the facility will be professionally cleaned, and the capital projects recommenced. In addition to notifying the community about the issue, the Foundation must explore funding options for the associated costs. The estimates to alleviate the issue are estimated to be $25,000 which is approximately triple the museum’s annual budget. The foundation is funded by memberships, fundraisers, and donations. No tax revenue is currently used to fund Pike County’s only museum.
The structure is one of the oldest in the community, constructed in 1859 as an Evangelical church, it served the area’s earliest German immigrants and their descendants. The structure is recognized as a key component of the Waverly Canal Historic District, identified on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to housing countless artifacts from Pike County’s history, the museum houses the original century-old pipe organ which is still operational.
To make a donation to the project to remediate the bat colony, go to the following GoFundMe link: CLICK HERE:
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