For over 40 years, Fleming Hall has been home to the University Museum and a broad collection of Mimbres pottery known the world over.
Soon, the nationally registered historic building will be extensively renovated, something that University Museum staff have been anticipating for several months, wrapping and moving hundreds of pieces of pottery and artifacts.
“After Fleming Hall’s transformation, visitors will walk in and experience a dynamic exhibition with natural light and interactive exhibits,” said Dr. Cynthia Bettison, University Museum Director. “Every piece of pottery not part of the new main floor exhibitions will be on display in visible collection areas.”
Museum staff have been carefully wrapping artifacts since August and moving them to a temporary storage location. Once the main floor exhibit area closes to the public on August 1, a small display of items will be available to visitors in Watts Hall.
“We have closed access to professional collections for research,” said Bettison. The University Museum is an access point to researchers and graduate students who use the collections to study the Mimbres people and other prehistoric cultures in the area, as well as local history.
Construction is scheduled to begin in August and end the fall of 2017. The $3.2 million project will focus on three main objectives including the updating of the HVAC system, installation of a fire suppression system, and a new security system. Project funds are provided through a general obligation fund passed by voters in 2014.
Known for the NAN Ranch Collection and Eisele Collection of Mimbres pottery, the University Museum currently displays a history of mining in the area, as well as a pictorial history of Western New Mexico University.
“During the transformation, staff will be working on new exhibitions that tie the natural landscape visible through Fleming Hall with artifacts on display,” said Bettison. “This will help visitors understand the histories of the Mimbres people, San Vicente de la Cieniga, mining district, and the formation of WNMU.”
Fleming Hall was previously renovated in 2006 with updated electrical rewiring and installation of lighting.
“The University Museum is committed to keeping its main floor Mimbres exhibitions and Museum Shop open for regular hours through the Silver City Clay Festival ending July 31,” said Bettison.
A temporary display of Mimbres pottery, architectural renderings of the transformation of Fleming Hall, and the Museum Shop will be open in Watts Hall beginning mid-August, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“We hope that our local community and visitors will bear with us through this exciting transformation. It will be well worth the wait,” said Bettison.