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.
The Garst Museum’s front entrance is open.
While numerous downed trees are on our grounds, plenty of safe parking is available.
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:
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.