The old state house in Hartford has already shut it doors due to budget cuts and now the memorabilia inside might be removed.
Since 1796 the building on Main Street has been a historical pillar in Connecticut's past. But just months ago the decision was made to transfer ownership of the building from the Office of Legislative Management to the DEEP.
"We were totally surprised by the action in the budget to give us responsibility for the building," said DEEP Communications Director Dennis Schain.
DEEP officials said in order to afford to keep the actual building afloat, the memorabilia inside, like the paintings, furniture and other artifacts must be removed. The building already has been shut down for weeks to the average 20,000 visitors a year because of budget cuts.
"$800-$900,000 is what we believe is the all in cost to operate the building. They transferred the building to us with $400,000, even with that 400,000, our budget for this year was down more than $9 million" said Schain.
Historical experts said maintaining the artifacts worth tens of millions isn't cheap.
"Some of these materials are highly fragile because of their age and the material they are constructed with. It's beyond just locking the doors and shutting down the lights. Museums across the country maintain standards for temperatures, humidity, and security, and those standards are in place to prolong the life of the objects," said Connecticut Historical Society CEO Jody Blankship.
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When the ownership change is finalized the artifacts will return to historical societies around Connecticut which own them, according to DEEP Officials. Private businesses and organizations move to the building to help fund the cost of the building, according to DEEP officials.
