A board of directors at the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting is a step closer to more autonomous operations at the historical structure.

West Chester Twp. trustees approved Dec. 4 a lease agreement with the museum’s executive board. Pending final approval by Secretary of the Interior of the United States, the museum board of directors will be responsible for its development, management, programming, use, operations and maintenance of the facility and grounds.

The former Voice of America Bethany Relay Station, located at 8070 Tylersville Road, underwent $1.5 million in improvements in recent years, including a new roof and exterior painting, by way of the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission.

“Bethany Station is truly a national treasure and it is West Chester’s good fortune that it is located here,” said Ken Rieser, museum board president. “We have worked hard over the past year to strengthen our board and this lease is the last piece in moving forward in the development of this museum.”

Judith Boyko, township administrator, said the five-year lease agreement includes automatic five-year renewals with no limit. Boyko said the township will consider financial contributions over the next five years on a declining status, with the first contribution reaching $85,000.

“So many people have worked so hard on this project, and it is heart-warming to see it move toward being a real significant presence in our community,” said trustee Catherine Stoker. “This step demonstrates a real appreciation of the building’s history and of the faith placed in us by the federal government.”

The township will continue ownership of the building, while the museum board will cover the costs of utilities and maintenance, according to Barb Wilson, township spokeswoman. The township has been in control of the facility since the 1990s when the federal government decommissioned and donated the facility.

On the National Register of Historic Places, the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting features the collections of the Grey History of Wireless Museum and Media Heritage Inc., as well as the West Chester Amateur Radio Association.

“I don’t think most of us who live here (in West Chester) know the significance; we want to help educate our local public,” Rieser said.

The museum is open for tours from 1 to 4 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month. For more information, visit www.voamuseum.org.