A museum enshrining one of Kentucky’s favorite sports is closing it current location in Elizabethtown.
Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame is closing because of financial issues. After more than a decade, the museum is planning to shut its doors as operation costs increased to more than $10,000 a month. The search for a new location is underway.
Rick Walters, who serves on the board of directors for Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame, said the intent was to be there forever but utilities and a very steep mortgage payment that was being paid off was overwhelming.
The hall of fame is located in a former church on West Dixie Avenue. Recently, the property was purchased for $575,000. No plans have been announced as to what could replace the museum.
Benefactors and donors allowed the museum to stay afloat, including a $300,000 donation from Dr. Mark and Cindy Lynn.
Walters said you can’t generate enough income from people coming into take a walk-through and tour.
There have been 164 people inducted into the Hall of Fame with the 11th annual class being welcomed in this weekend. Though a new location hasn’t been determined, it will include some upgrades. The board of directors want to focus on updated displays and technology for its exhibits at its new location.
Walters admits the 2023 induction ceremony could be the last one for a while as a new location remains up in the air.
The museum is expected to stay open until at least next summer.
The 2023 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is scheduled for August 12 at the Historic State Theater at 209 West Dixie Avenue in Elizabethtown. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the ceremony starts an hour later. Tickets are $25 each. To purchase tickets, click here.
Source: WDRB
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