Gary Indiana Planning a Museum

Mayor Rudy Clay of Gary, Indiana USA), said today that a team is planning a museum to pay honor to native son, Michael Jackson. The midtown neighborhood where the Jacksons were raised is seeking historical status.

The project was the main topic of a city hall meeting on Monday that went "exceptionally well" according to Mr. Clay. We've got a lot of homework to do," the mayor said. Details remain to be worked out.

Jacquelyn Drago-Hunter, the Community Development Director, is responsible for seeking historical status for the area around the famous 2300 Jackson Street home. A successful application would mean federal money becoming available for maintaining the neighborhood.

A Jackson family museum has long been under consideration in Gary. Officials visited the Jackson home in Encino in 1995 to try and make the museum a reality.

Enthusiasm for the project has increased following Michael's death. Last year, Joseph Jackson visited Gary to promote the museum that was going to be built at a site north of Interstate 80/94 along Grant Street. Now, however, that site is considered too small.

Last week, Clay told the Post-Tribune the site is too small, as the project now includes a hotel.

"It's a go to make it happen," Clay said Friday.

Source: MJFC / CBS 2 Chicago