History of the Ice House

For nearly 20 years, the Morgan Arts Council was a gypsy organization, "getting art out there" wherever there was space. That changed in June 1996 when U.S. Borax gifted MAC with a 40,000 square foot former storage building in the center of Berkeley Springs.

Built circa 1910 to store apples, the four-floor yellow brick building had other uses through the 20th century including a furniture store, health club and teen center. Renovation is ongoing. Nearly $400,000 has been invested in utilities and access. The first floor now has a Great Hall, three classrooms, MAC office, darkroom and gallery funded by state and Benedum Foundation grants as well as individual and business donations. Donors are immortalized in the Legacy Vine, a painting by Mary Ellen Snyder that hangs in the entry hall.

The Ice House Development Fund has been established to raise funds for continued renovation. Operation of the Ice House is to be self-sustaining. Existing space is rented for commercial and community activities as well as being used by MAC.

Literally thousands of people have enjoyed, bought, practiced and made art in the Ice House since its acquisition. The future promises even more.