DULUTH, Minnesota (Northern News Now) – The Veterans Memorial Hall at the Duluth Depot is normally filled with historical artifacts from war veterans, but in July the museum was flooded, damaging its interior.

The hall was filled with water about three-quarters of an inch deep.

Water seeped from the fourth floor of the depot down to street level.

While the 300 historical pieces in the hall itself were not damaged, display cases, carpets and walls were destroyed.

Nick Jensen, executive director of the St. Louis County Historical Society, who oversees the VMH, said the decision to temporarily close the space was not an easy one.

“Given the stories the artifacts on display tell and the quality of presentation our veteran community deserves, there was really only one option for us, even though it was very painful,” Jensen said.

Jensen said VMH expects the replacement to cost about $30,000 and hopes insurance will cover some of that. He said they have saved some money but are also hoping for donations to help cover the cost.

While the interior is gutted and replaced, some of the artifacts will be stored while others will be displayed elsewhere in the repository.

Jensen said they would use this opportunity to think about possible improvements to the premises.

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