African-American museum runs into money troubles

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Posted 6:53PM on Sunday, August 25, 2002

MACON - Work on the new Tubman African-American Museum has stalled as donations have dried up in a weak economy following Sept. 11. The museum, meant to be one of the best in the nation commemorating African-American art, history and culture, originally was set to open on Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday in January. Now it may be a couple of years longer or more before its doors open. Museum supporters say the delays in construction and fund-raising are just a routine hindrance while underlying backing remains strong. ``I'm not surprised,'' said Janice Marshall, executive director of the Macon-Bibb County Convention and Visitors Bureau. ``Not after 9-11 and the downturn in the economy. I'm just hoping the economy gets better and that people see how good this museum will be. Museum fund-raisers have collected nearly half the amount needed to complete renovations - $7.5 million out of $15.5 million. Foundations, business and individuals have pledged another $3.6 billion. That leaves the project nearly $4.5 million short of needed funds and leaves museum officials applying for grants and asking for cash. ``Yeah, we've got a lot of money in the bank,'' said Carey Pickard, the Tubman director. ``My major focus in life right now is raising that final four.'' The museum has a few things working for it - it hasn't taken out loans and construction can move forward while more money is being raised. So far the foundation has been laid and the steel support beams have been completed. Architects and engineers are now working on the building's specifications, and then work will resume. Carpeting, electricity and dry wall won't begin until 2004 at the soonest. The museum will be named for Harriet Tubman, a runaway slave from Maryland who conducted the Underground Railroad, which led many Southern slaves to freedom in the North. In the Civil War, she was a spy with the federal forces in South Carolina and a nurse. The drop-off in money from charitable foundations has especially hurt the project, said Lisa LaMontagne, a spokeswoman for Board Source, formerly the National Center for Non-Profit Boards. ``We have felt the impact of the economic downturn,'' she said. ``In any economic downturn, it is definitely the time nonprofits feel the pinch.'' Jo Ann Ray, director of the Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries, hopes foundations and individual donors give more when they see proof that progress is being made. ``Sometimes, when something is seen, it's a lot easier for someone to give than if it's just an idea,'' she said. The Tubman museum originally opened in 1981 a dream of Macon resident Richard Keil come to fruition. But it has outgrown its tiny original location and needs to expand to get recognized as a major national gallery. When the renovations are complete and the new 49,000-square-foot building opens, people will forget the construction delays and appreciate the history, Keil said. ``In the terms of the life of a museum, what is one or two or three or 10 years?'' he asked.