SU announces relocation of Ward Museum to Powell Building

SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University officials have announced plans for the relocation of the Ward Museum.

Officials say the museum will move from its current location at Schumaker Pond to the Powell Building, located at 218 W. Main Street, next to Salisbury University Downtown. We’re told this location will be more accessible and connected to the community, in addition to presenting opportunities for new partnerships and programs.

Effective July 1, 2023, SU will no longer maintain an operating agreement with the Ward Foundation to act as an affiliated foundation of the University. This relocation will be facilitated independently by the University. The financial position of the Ward Foundation has been a significant concern of SU for the past several years. Officials tell us that the most recent independent audit reports on the foundation’s financial position highlight issues such as a significant decrease in net cash flows and an increase in the line of credit balances. As a result of this report and in consideration of the University System of Maryland policies related to Affiliated Foundations and Business Entities, SU is no longer able to maintain its business affiliation with the Ward Foundation.

The Ward Foundation became an affiliated foundation of SU in 2000, with the University taking ownership of the building, the collection, and the Ward Foundation’s debt of approximately $1.6 million. To date, SU has given more than $10 million to the Ward Foundation, along with in-kind services, in return for the foundation’s stewardship of the University’s collection, valued at some $7.2 million.

SU officials say items from SU’s collection will be displayed on a rotating basis, as they were at the Schumaker Pond building. When not on exhibit, items will be cared for in climate-controlled storage at SU’S Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture, as well as other off-site locations. The University is not intending to divest any core pieces of the collection. Those who currently have items on loan at the museum have been contacted to assure them that their artworks and artifacts are being properly cared for and provide the opportunity for those items to be returned if desired.

There are currently no long-term plans for the Schumaker Pond building. Classes and other educational sessions will continue at that location until the Powell Building is open. Space reservations at the current building will be honored through the end of 2023, however, no new reservations will be accepted after June 30th. SU has no immediate plans for the Schumaker Pond facility. Any future sale of the property would need Maryland Board of Public Works approval, which SU is not seeking at this time.