The Crawford W. Long Medical Museum, a two-story brick building on College Street in Jefferson, is undergoing a major renovation.

The structure’s 1880s brick is by nature very porous by nature.  Over time cracking mortar, leaking windows, and access holes for HVAC equipment that did not properly support the entire thickness of the structural wall, have all contributed to extensive water invasion that has severely damaged the interior plaster and lath. 

A new membrane-type roof has already replaced the old-style “torch down” roof.  The new roof type plus metal parapet caps began the process of sealing the building from moisture.  Larger scuppers and downspouts have been installed to move water away more quickly. 

Brick masons familiar with historic construction techniques are repairing the mortar and restoring the building’s structural integrity. Only after the building is less susceptible to moisture intrusion will the interior plaster and lath be repaired.

This summer the Pendergrass General Store, part of the museum’s three-building complex, will be jacked up and leveled.  New masonry piers will replace older metal and wooden supports in the store’s crawlspace.  At the end of the project, the store’s exterior will be repainted.

To facilitate the plaster and lath repair, all of the exhibits in the Crawford Long gallery will be removed and stored, and the museum will be closed.  This will allow the museum’s staff to inspect the condition of the items.  The exhibits will be updated prior to reopening.

The entire project has a $200,000 price tag.  Half of the funding is provided through a grant from the USDA Rural Development program and the match from money the museum association had on hand at the time ownership of the museum and its assets were transferred to the City of Jefferson September 30, 2007.