On the evening of May 7, the Garst Museum was in the path of a confirmed EF1 tornado. Unfortunately, the museum and grounds suffered damage. Fortunately, the overall structure and integrity of the museum campus remains intact, and with power restored, the museum reopened on May 11.
The main museum campus buildings suffered no water intrusion or broken windows. However, various soffits, fascias, and gutters were damaged, and possible roof flashing and shingle damage were noted. The storage garage did suffer roof damage and a hole from a fallen tree.
Early inspections indicate several rafters in the Americana Wing may have been damaged when a tree fell. The force of the falling tree appears to have caused segments of the drop ceiling to fall in the southwest portion of the Americana Wing. At this time, the artifacts appear to be okay. As inspections progress, it is becoming apparent that recovery from the tornado will be more than simply cleaning up downed branches and trees.
While numerous downed trees are on our grounds, plenty of safe parking is available.
Currently, our hope is to have the Americana Wing repairs completed by the Gathering. While it is still early in the process, our goal is to have the entire campus restored by the fall of this year.
Please join us in our recovery journey. Images from the night of May 7, 2024, and our trek back to normalcy are available here.
Here is the latest information:
June 25, 2024: The new metal roof installation for the garage has started. The Americana Wing's drywall installation is nearing completion.
June 22, 2024: Work has started on the damaged garage. The garage was struck by one, possibly two falling trees. In addition to a damaged roof, the west side wall suffered structural damage. Fortunately, insurance will be covering the roof and wall repairs as well as new siding. We also received a generous donation to complete the roofing on the east side of the Americana Wing. For more information on helping, please visit the Garst Museum, call us at 937-548-5250, or see the online donation options at garstmuseum.org/donate.
June 11, 2024: Significant progress can be seen in the Americana Wing's drywall and drop ceiling tile removal. Where possible, much of the ceiling drywall has already been replaced. Part of the HVAC ducting has also started to be rehung.
June 4, 2024: Work is continuing in the interior of the Americana Wing. Subcontractors are scheduled to address the HVAC and electrical needs in prepping for repairs.
May 31, 2024: Work is moving forward in the interior of the Americana Wing. Currently the last of the damaged ceiling tiles are being removed.
May 31, 2024: The City of Greenville is assisting in removing some of the larger tree debris along Wilson Drive in Garst Avenue. Thank you!
May 29, 2024: The clean-up of the Americana Wing's fallen ceiling tiles and other prep work started. A Garst Museum Board member started the landscaping relocation around the Garst House.
May 28, 2024: More of the Garst House and surrounding area have been secured and cleaned of debris. While most of the new landscaping survived the storm, the shade-dependent plants will need to be relocated due to tree losses. Significant progress on the Americana Wing's roof repairs now includes new shingles on most of the west side of the roof.
May 25, 2024: Notable progress on the Americana Wing roof and the grounds around the Garst House and Coppock Wing can be seen. There is still a significant amount of storm debris that needs to be cleared. However, much of it has been safely moved out of the way. We are thankful for the dedicated and diligent work of Ignaffo Roofing and Gunckle's Tree Service.
May 24, 2024: Weather permitting, the roof repairs will continue today. Our insurance company is diligently working to help us move forward with our many repairs. New information regarding our claim is expected soon.
May 22, 2024: Significant progress has been made on the Americana Wing. The blown insulation has been removed, the damaged roofing structures and rafters have been repaired, and new roof sheathing has been installed.
May 21, 2024: Work is continuing on the Americana Wing rafter repairs and securing the roof safely for any inclement weather.
May 20, 2024: Our Local contractors were able to remove the blown insulation via the roof today. This was helpful in mitigating any debris falling into the Americana Wing. Also, repairs to the roof's rafters started.
May 20, 2024: Work is moving forward in the Americana Wing today. Most of the interior preparations for upcoming repairs are complete. The rooms that were housing the artifacts are encapsulated in plastic, and the artifacts are secure.
May 18, 2024: Work is continuing in the Americana Wing, with a focus on removing the drop ceiling and supports. A large amount of blown insulation is scheduled to be removed early next week. Various HVAC and electrical conduits are also planned to be removed or relocated as necessary.
May 17, 2024: We are starting to see some progress in our initial cleanup and damage assessments. Local contractors are preparing to remove more of the damaged Americana Wing material, with work beginning early next week.
May 17, 2024: With the fallen trees starting to be removed, more damage is being revealed. Part of the older wrought iron fence on the south side of the campus was damaged.
May 16, 2024: Weather permitting, Gunkle's Tree Service is starting to remove the damaged trees around the museum. To illustrate the power of the storm, one of the falling pine trees damaged the maple tree close to the garage. Unfortunately, the maple tree could not be saved.
May 16, 2024: Work is beginning to safely relocate some artifacts in the Americana Wing as preparations are starting to address the roof damage. The artifacts will be stored in the museum.
May 15, 2024: A new roof and upper moldings will be needed to restore the newly renovated Garst House porch to its pristine condition.
May 15, 2024: Cleanup and preparation work continues in the Americana Wing. Additional local contractors have been secured for anticipated repair work. The Garst House roof still needs a closer inspection.
May 14, 2024: Contractors are working in the Americana Wing, preparing to work on the roof structure, removing the fallen ceiling tiles and insulation, and moving artifacts to a safe location as necessary.
May 14, 2024: Volunteers and Garst Museum board members have cleaned up many of the smaller branches and limbs throughout our campus and prepared them for city pick-up.
May 13, 2024: Our insurance company's adjuster team starts their detailed inspection of the museum's campus. Experienced local contractors familiar with the museum are assisting the museum's recovery team.
May 11, 2024: The Garst Museum reopens at 10:00 a.m.
May 10, 2024: Due to needed temporary repairs, the entire Americana Wing and Lowell Thomas exhibit will be closed until further notice. The rest of the Garst Museum will be open on Saturday, May 11, at 10:00 a.m.
May 10, 2024: The insurance Field Claims Superintendent visits the Garst Museum campus for the initial insurance inspection.
May 10, 2024: Damage was found in the Americana Wing. Parts of the Lowell Thomas exhibit will be closed.
May 10, 2024: Campus cleanup continues.
May 10, 2024: The Garst Museum and DAR are still planning to host John and Karen Burkett on Saturday, May 11, at 2 p.m.
May 10, 2024: Garst Museum is closed to inspect the interior of campus and to prepare to reopen on Saturday, May 11 at 10:00 a.m.
May 9, 2024: Power is restored by 8:00 p.m.
May 9, 2024: Campus cleanup continues.
May 9, 2024: Inspection of campus grounds for damage continues.
May 9, 2024: Garst Museum is closed.
May 8, 2024: Campus clean-up begins.
May 8, 2024: Inspection of campus grounds for damage continues.
May 8, 2024: Tree limbs are removed from roofs, and roofing is inspected and tarped as necessary.
May 8, 2024: Garst Museum is closed.
May 7, 2024: Museum disaster response to secure and inspect Garst Museum campus begins.
May 7, 2024: An EF1 tornado hits Greenville, Ohio, and the Garst Museum campus.
