Master carpenter Mike Chaves has contributed his talent, expertise and hard work in creating a three-piece bookshelf and cabinet set for HSST. We are thrilled and very grateful!

Custom-designed to fit into a window corner on the second floor of the Academy, the wooden unit will protect troves of archival material and serve as storage for artifacts when not on display. 

Mike Chaves has been a life-time member of HSST for many years and has distinguished himself as truly a hands-on supporter. In 2019 he created an enormous wooden picture frame to protect and display the precious 1860 Sussex County map which is one of a limited number of editions printed in that year. Based on a survey by G.M. Hopkins, Jr. this “cadastral” or land ownership map indicates cultural artifacts such as gristmills, schools and kilns as well as residences that existed in 1860. It is displayed on the second floor of the HSST.

Chavez is the owner of the custom woodwork company called “To Perfection Carpentry.” Thank you, Mike, for your generosity and for your devotion to the mission of making HSST look better and better.