HOWELL — The preservation and upkeep of the MacKenzie Museum and Library is an ongoing process.
The latest upgrades to the museum consisted of painting and structural improvements that were funded by a grant that was provided by the Monmouth County Historical Commission.
James and Jessie MacKenzie acquired the house on Lakewood-Farmingdale Road in 1956 and were the last private owners, according to the Monmouth County Historical Commission.
The couple donated the house to Howell in 1982 and it was converted into a museum that focuses on the history of the township.
At a recent Township Council meeting, a resolution noted the receipt of $4,500 from the historical commission.
Councilwoman Pauline Smith said the grant would be used for maintenance of the museum. She said the museum belongs to Howell and its upkeep is paid for like any other municipal building – through taxes.
“The grant from the Monmouth County Historical Commission helps (taxpayers)” because that is money for the museum’s upkeep that does not have to come from taxes, the councilwoman said.
“The restoration costs a lot more than the grant, but the grant is very helpful and we appreciate it very much,” she said.
Smith said the museum and library is a work in progress.
“The house was built in 1855, so it needs to be taken care of pretty often,” she said. “The grant will contribute toward repairing some structural wear-and-tear and re-painting.”
— P.J. Candido