Cutbacks in the state budget recently forced the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton to close for two months, and now the director is temporarily laying himself off so the landmark can stay open longer.

Director Richard Patterson says a 20 percent budget cut forced the museum to close and cancel trips for approximately 20,000 school kids. Patterson said he decided to lay himself off for two months in order to save money and get the museum up and running again.

Patterson says with state funding so low, the museum has to rely on corporations and private donations to remain open. Museum workers and visitors say the barracks building, which housed British troops during the French and Indian War, is a landmark that can?t be neglected. Patterson hopes donations start coming in soon to keep the building open.

For an interview with museum director Richard Patterson, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.