Accomplishments 2018-2019
After Sanders County accepted the deed to the former Paradise School, the Paradise Elementary School Preservation Committee assumed administrative responsibility for the buildings and grounds in July 2016.
The past year included improving access, enhancing and adding exhibits, increasing use, and promoting the site.
Working with the Sanders County Arts Council, the center is becoming known for performances and art classes, including a summer arts camp for youth.
This is a summary of notable activities between July 2018 and December 2019.
ACCOMPLISHED
- Installed access ramp to main floor • Installed outside lights on historic school building for events
- Created “Stairway to Nowhere” as a place to honor major donors
- Created play space for young children • Began remodeling bell tower
- Installed better security system with motion activated cameras
FUTURE:
- Upgrade heating in school building
- Expand kitchen in auditorium
ACCOMPLISHED
- Hosted second “Christmas in Paradise”
- Hosted numerous family events
- Hosted two fundraising events
- Obtained small screen for slideshows or video presentations
FUTURE
- Establish “Wedding Consortium” with local businesses
- Improve kitchen to accommodate larger and more complex events
- Join kitchen and pantry for more space
- Install hand washing sink
- Install utility sink
ACCOMPLISHED
- Installed computer enabling visitors to:
- Print and take information
- See GLM videos
- Developed docent handbook with suggested talking points
- Expanded railroad exhibit
FUTURE
- Offer historic “school day” for students
- Install some interactive exhibits
- Complete the railroad exhibit
- Use technology for documenting school history with search function to find records of events and people
ACCOMPLISHED
- Obtained custom audience risers
- Obtained portable stage risers
- Obtained pottery equipment for classes
- Added second sink/water to workroom
- Worked with Sanders County Arts Council:
- Numerous adult art classes
- Second summer arts camp for youth
FUTURE
- Co-sponsor with Arts Council:
- Humanities events
- “Fireside chats” events
- Improve lighting and sound systems
- Build portable sound system cart
- Install small garage doors to storage area to insert chair racks
UNDERWAY
- Raising funds
- Expanding usage
FUTURE:
- Write grant requests for:
-
- Improved publicity
- Replacing heating in historic building
- Installing an elevator
- Begin work on outside landscaping and historic exhibits
