Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum enters final push to repair Carnegie Building

The Carnegie Building that houses the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum in Buffalo was originally built in 1909. Since that time, the building has suffered typical wear and tear and the slow deterioration of weather and water. 

Repair work to the building over the last 100 years was a bit patchwork. Although the intention was good, the use of concrete to repair the original sandstone base of the front entrance needed to be replaced and repaired by a specialist. 

When damage to the front became too severe, Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum Executive Director Sylvia Bruner and her team began the effort of raising funds to repair the building properly.

S. Bruner  

According to information from Bruner, phase one included the front steps, south column, and stonework beneath the column as the area suffered from the elements the most with water and ice continuously wearing away at the stones. Phase Two consisted of repairs done from the northeast cornerstone across the north wall.

The final phase will complete work on the exterior walls along the west and south.

Bruner said it is due to the efforts of so many personal donors in the community, the JC Commission and the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund that the first two phases have been completed. 

Now entering phase three, The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum staff are running a fundraiser but staff wished to do something for those individuals who are helping to make the final phase of the project a reality. 

S. Bruner

To donate and learn more about becoming a Carnegie Caretaker click here and become part of the effort to repair and preserve the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum’s home for generations to come.