Angelica Ramos
Contributing Writer
BLACKSBURG – The Blacksburg Town Council voted to approve a resolution regarding the operating agreement between The Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation and the Town of Blacksburg at its meeting Aug. 13, 2024.
The operating agreement between The Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation and the Town of Blacksburg states the town owns the property and the facilities on the grounds. This includes the Alexander Black House and the St. Luke Odd Fellows Hall. The agreement is to last five years.
“The parties intend for the general responsibilities,” the operating agreement reads, “of the foundation to include (i) providing resources for the renovation and restoration of the facilities through a commitment to fundraising, including capital, endowment, and potential on-going annual fundraising; (ii) serving as an advocate for other town historic properties; (iii) advising on long- range planning and vision for the facilities and the other historic properties; (iv) serving as an ambassador in the community and region by advocating on behalf of historic preservation, arts and culture; and (v) having members serve on committees or task forces, as needed; more specifically, the foundation plans to develop an ambitious program to study and record the history of Blacksburg, as well as to promote and facilitate the visual and performing arts in Blacksburg.”
Citizens were invited to speak openly on this topic during citizen comments and many of the residents who spoke to this agreement said they are disheartened by many of the goings-on regarding St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall and the other facilities. This includes qualms with the public communication and direct communications with committee chairs of the facilities.
“There has been a lack of transparent communication,” Jody Daniels, a citizen, said, “with the public regarding how the museum executes its mission and manages both the Alexander Black House and the St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall equitably. The exclusion of interested parties and community members continues and there seems to be no accountability or effort to address this issue.”
Christine King, a descendant of Gordon Mills who helped build the hall, spoke to the town council regarding the treatment and communications she’s had with those in charge of the building. King also expressed frustrations with the St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall committee.
“If you don’t have a vision for the future of the hall,” King said, “perhaps there is a need for a change in leadership. The deed clearly outlines numerous positive outcomes for the building, which she seems to disregard which is unacceptable.”
Although this operating agreement was approved, the community members said they would like to see, at minimum, a change in communication and inclusion.
