A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GROWTH OF THE MACPHERSON MUSEUM

      The original Clan Macpherson Museum came into existence in 1952 in the room that today is called the Drumochter Room. Only a few of the many Clan treasures that had been acquired at the 1943 Cluny Castle auction could be displayed. The rest of the building was dedicated for the curator's lodging. It is of interest to note that the original curatorial contract permitted the establishment of a tea room on the premises for his commercial benefit. However, there is no evidence that this option was exercised. Panel 101 shows photographs of the opening ceremony for this event on 23rd August 1952.

      The need for more display space was recognized from the outset but this could not be gained until the mortgage for the original building was retired and new funds raised for an extension. This finally came to fruition in the late 1960s and the first extension dedicated on 30th July 1970. Panel 111 illustrates the ceremonial events that took place that day.

      As more and more items were acquired by the Museum it was recognized that still more display space was required. This led to the construction of the third phase of growth which culminated in the 1985 extension. This included the addition of an ell-shaped wing that today allows the display of the Clan's many heraldic items. However, this display did not take place immediately; this space was used for storage of undisplayed items for several years. The pictures of the opening ceremony for this extension are shown on Panel 111.

      The fourth stage of expansion involved a complete refurbishment of the building heating and electrical services as well as conversion of existing space to more efficient use for library, theatre, archival storage and memorabilia sales purposes. In addition, new gates ad iron railings were constructed and installed around the exterior of the building while the entire interior living space used by the curator was repainted and recarpeted. These activities were collectively called the '2K2 Project' (having taken place in the year 2002). Some of them are illustrated in the photographs at Panel 112.

      The fifth stage of expansion was completed in the winter of 2004-5 but did not result in gaining any additional internal space. Rather it involved the installation of new floor covering throughout, new decorator colour schemes and a more effective allocation of display space. What you see in the other panels of the MEM is the way the Museum looks today. For a glimpse of how the interior appeared in earlier times, inspect the photographs that are on display on this panel.