New report says Virginia's Museum of Transportation needs work

[NS Newsfeed]

Virginia's Museum of Transportation has hit a dead end, that's according to a scathing report from a consultant released today.

The city of Roanoke, through a grant from Norfolk Southern, hired a consultant to assess the museum.  The report found the transportation museum is lacking focus and community awareness, and has a board of directors that hasn't fulfilled its responsibilities.

It goes on to say the building is too big and too old.  It's been around for nearly 90 years.

"In my office alone, I have two plugs for electrical stuff.  That's it," says museum director Bev Fitzpatrick.

This report is also highly critical of the museum's exhibits.  According to the report, "The museum seems to be out of the '50s.  It has a tired look like a budget look.  The museum is a dark, dirty place on first impression.... Once you've been here, why come back?"

The consultants recommend more interactive exhibits, additional staff, better marketing, a lower admissions price, and major renovations to the building.  But to do all of that costs money.

Fitzpatrick estimates it would take about $25 million to turn the place around.

That won't be easy.  The museum is competing with other non-profits in the area, and the governor's budget has no money earmarked for the museum next year.  But officials say they are determined to get this place back on track.