Crews working to repair museum

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - Strong storms and flooding closed the Virginia Living Museum temporarily late last month, and now crews are working to repair the museum's damaged first floor.

Carpet and flooring was ripped out and drywall is being replaced. Museum officials are waiting for contract bids to finish up the rest of the work.

The museum is also in early stages of a study with the City of Newport News and scientist from the College of William and Mary to figure out why the museum has flooded multiple times this summer.

"It's just underway," the museum's deputy director Fred Farris said. "It is going to take time. They got to look at data from this storm and previous storms and any changes to the water structure. It will be long term. We are talking years and it will be expensive." 

There is no timetable for when the repairs will be complete, but the museum is still open and offering a $5 discount on admission.