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preserving and showcasing some of its most important historical landmarks. The Navarre Cabin <br />is undoubtedly one of the richest tokens of history in our area, and one that I believe is often <br />overlooked because of its location. Moving the Navane Cabin to the History Museum's campus <br />would allow for this historic structure to be enjoyed by our students and community year round, <br />rather than the previous four days of the year. Doing so will ensure that our students will have <br />numerous advantages to enjoy and learn about the rich history of their hometown in a more <br />immersive and interactive environment. It will allow them to feel a deeper connection and better <br />envision the surroundings of a place untouched by today's world. Although the Navane Cabin <br />has called Leeper Park home for 66 years, relocating it to the museum campus where students <br />can enjoy more readily is an important step in continuing the betterment of our city and <br />preserving its rich history. I hope you'll join me in supporting this effort. Sincerely, C. Todd <br />Cummings, Ph.D. Superintendent, South Bend Community School Corporation." <br />Pat Slebonick, Studebaker National Museum — "Dear Historic Preservation Commission, I am writing on <br />behalf of the Studebaker National Museum in support of the proposal by The History Museum to <br />relocate the Navarre Cabin to the Museum Campus. Relocation of the Navarre Cabin will make <br />both Museums more effective interpreters of local history. The current location provides <br />numerous logistical issues for an interpretive program. These difficulties leave the Cabin <br />undemtilized as the robust interpretive tool it could be if moved to the Museum campus. In this <br />new location, visitors who are already attending two institutions eager to learn about our <br />community history could take advantage of the presence of Cabin. Rather than annually, cabin <br />tours could be developed and offered daily. Interpretation would be installed that allow every <br />campus visitor to team about the historic structure. The new location will provide a greater <br />opportunity for meaningful educational programming and engagement with thousands of visitors <br />per year from local school children to guests from around the world. Further, moving the Cabin <br />to the Museum grounds would allow for the creation of a complete immersive homestead site <br />which will provide meaningful context for the Cabin. Placing the Cabin on the Museum Campus <br />would also allow for more frequent inspections and care of the historic structure by professional <br />staff members. This access will provide better control of the cabin site ensuring that the structure <br />is safeguarded for future generations. In conclusion, moving the Navarre Cabin to the Museum <br />Campus will make allow for better preservation of the Cabin and allow The History Museum to <br />ensure the Cabin remains a cultural pillar of our community for generations to come. Pat <br />Slebonick, Executive Director, Studebaker National Museum." <br />Dr. Jerry Thacker, Penn -Hams -Madison School Corporation, "Dear Mr. Harding: I am pleased to know <br />that there is an opportunity to relocate the Navarre Cabin from its current location in Leeper <br />Park to the Museum campus. It is highly appropriate to have a permanent home for the Navarre <br />Cabin in order to realize its educational potential in an appropriate context. This change can be <br />of tremendous educational value as the location greatly increases access on a daily basis. Since <br />school children can attend at no charge, this firsthand experience can be enjoyed by many <br />students It is exciting to know that our students will enjoy an immersive homestead context, in <br />contrast to the existing site with visual and auditory distractions due to the nearby highway, <br />pumping station, and hospital. With an improved infrastructure, with better parking, restroom <br />facilities, and access to the museum in the event of inclement weather, it is extremely <br />encouraging for our schools to take advance of such a wonderful educational experience. I am <br />especially pleased with the emphasis on safety for students, with controlled entry points, <br />eliminating the presence of unvetted individuals. By having a site which can be secured at night, <br />there is greater safety for the cabin and its visitors. Thank you for your leadership in this <br />initiative. It will provide outstanding historical learning experiences for our students. Sincerely, <br />Dr. Jerry Thacker, Penn -Harris -Madison School Corporation." <br />Martin Mechtenberg, Near Westside Neighborhood Organization—"To whom it may concern: The <br />Membership of the NWSNO voted unanimously in favor of the History Museum relocating the <br />