Albert Spencer Wilcox Building facts for kids
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Albert Spencer Wilcox Building
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Kauaʻi Museum
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 Location in Hawaii
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| Location | 4428 Rice Street Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi, Hawaii |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1924 |
| Architect | Hart Wood |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000760 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 31, 1979 |
The Albert Spencer Wilcox Building is a special historic place in Līhuʻe, on the island of Kauaʻi, Hawaii. When it first opened in 1924, it was a library. Later, it became the Kauaʻi Museum. Today, the museum shares amazing stories and items about Kauaʻi's history. This building was added to both the Hawaiʻi and National lists of historic places in 1979.
Contents
The First Library on Kauaʻi
The very first library on Kauaʻi island likely started in 1900. It was set up by Reverend John Mortimer Lydgate at his church in Līhuʻe. By 1921, the library needed a new, permanent home.
Building a Permanent Home
On February 3, 1922, a kind offer came from Emma Kauikeolani Wilcox. She was the widow of a well-known businessman and politician named Albert Spencer Wilcox. Emma offered US$75,000 to build a public library for Kauaʻi.
In October 1922, Hart Wood was chosen as the architect to design the building. It was named in honor of Albert Spencer Wilcox. John Hansen was the main builder. The new library officially opened its doors in 1924. It was the first public library on the island.
The Kauaʻi Museum Begins
In April 1954, a group of people started working to create a museum. They wanted to build it right next to the library. Juliet Rice Wichman led this committee. She was the granddaughter of another important businessman and politician, William Hyde Rice.
A New Museum Building
The new museum building was designed by architect Kenneth Roehrig. It was named the Rice building, honoring Juliet's family. Juliet Rice Wichman became the museum's first director. She also helped start the National Tropical Botanical Garden. She even gave land for the Limahuli Garden and Preserve.
The first manager of the museum was Dora Jane Isenberg Cole. The Kauaʻi Museum opened to the public in the Rice building on December 3, 1960.
Expanding into the Wilcox Building
In 1969, the state of Hawaii built a brand new library building. This meant the original Wilcox building was now empty. So, it was decided to use the Wilcox building to hold more exhibits for the Kauaʻi Museum. The expanded museum, using both buildings, opened in December 1970.
Protecting a Historic Treasure
The Wilcox building is considered a very important historical site. It was officially listed on the Hawaiʻi Register of Historic Places on February 17, 1979. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places listings in Hawaii on May 31, 1979.
The building is located at 4428 Rice Street, in Līhuʻe. You can find it at 21°58′29″N 159°22′6″W / 21.97472°N 159.36833°W.
Gallery
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Kauaʻi Museum, 4428 Rice Street, Lihue, Hawaii
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The gift shop in the Kauaʻi Museum
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Kauaʻi Museum in the Albert Spencer Wilcox Building
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Captain James Cook Lands at Waimea Bay, Kauai on January 20, 1778, an exhibit at the Kauaʻi Museum
See also
- Albert Spencer Wilcox Beach House, Hanalei, Hawaii, also NRHP-listed
