Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art to relocate
SALISBURY, Md. – The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art is relocating.
The Ward Foundation announced on Thursday the planned relocation of the museum to a new home in downtown Salisbury as a result of ongoing mechanical issues following an HVAC failure in July. The Ward Museum’s galleries have been closed to the public since then, and the prolonged failure of the system created unsafe environmental conditions, which led to the development and spread of surface mold on carvings and other pieces of artwork.
Environmental conditions in the museum remain under control, but the HVAC system is no longer capable of operating at a long-term level suitable for the preservation and display of the collection. Additionally, officials say several other systems in the galleries were found to be operating below code or will soon need replacement.
Salisbury University released the following statement:
“SU values the decades-long relationship it has with the Ward Foundation and was honored to work with its staff and board of directors to find a new home for the museum in downtown Salisbury – details of which are still being finalized. We thank the Ward Foundation board and supporters for their understanding while we ensured business negotiations regarding the relocation were not potentially compromised during early stages of the proposal. SU remains committed to ensuring continued public accessibility to these important artifacts of Delmarva’s cultural heritage.”
47 ABC’s Deja Parker spoke to Eastern Shore Delegation Chair, Chris Adams who tells us he’s had conversations with officials in an effort to make sure that all of the art is protected through this process.
“While a longer conversation is surely going to happen as to the building and the facilities, we wanted to make sure that the University and the Ward Foundation was able to preserve and protect those pieces of art that define who we are,” Delegate Adams explained.
In a meeting held Friday, Salisbury University Chief of Staff, Eli Modlin said they are taking steps to ensure the safety of the artwork.
“We’re working to ensure the safety of the collection and we will do anything that we can to support the Ward Museum and ensure that their critical mission continues to get delivered on the shore,” Modlin stated.
Environmental conditions in the museum remain under control, but the HVAC system is no longer capable of operating at a long-term level suitable for the preservation and display of the collection.
“This institution was founded to honor the art and legacy of the Ward brothers and to celebrate the transition of decoy making from a humble folk craft to a recognized form of decorative art – we will continue to live that mission,” said Ward Foundation Interim Executive Director, Brittany Andrew. “The museum’s collection is one of the largest and finest of its kind in the world. The staff, board, Salisbury University partners and outside experts are all working tirelessly to ensure its long-term safety as we prepare for this upcoming move.”
The Ward Foundation is still in negotiations on where the museum will be re-located to. At this time, all that’s been said is that it will be a new location somewhere in downtown Salisbury.
