SUMMER TIMES 2013
Page 10 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, June 7, 2013
Museum adds 10,000 square feet, near goal for funds
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By Kelli Lageson
he expansion of the Freeborn County Historical Museum is moving along as donations are still coming in. As of the end of April, the museum had raised about $1.4 million and needed to get to its goal of $1.7 million. Executive Director Pat Mulso said she hopes much of the work will be done before Eddie Cochran Weekend this June, but, if not, the expansion will definitely be open by the time the Freeborn County Fair starts. “We’ve come a long way,” Mulso said. Mulso’s ultimate goal is to at least have the new main entrance completed and lots of exhibits in place by mid-summer. Then there will be lots of smaller projects like the workshop and archive areas that can be completed as the fundraising nears its end. The expansion plan is multiple years in the making and has been attempted a few times over the last 20 years. A groundbreaking was held in May of 2012, and the museum has continued its fundraising drive since then. The addition is a two-story, 10,000-square foot structure that will almost double the museum’s size. The museum can be reached at 373-8003 or
www.fchm.us. The museum and library are open year round Tuesdays through Friday. The village is open from May to September. The museum is at 1031 Bridge Ave. in Albert Lea. Summer events guide June 7-9: Eddie Cochran Weekend. See Page 14 for a full listing. June 22: Vintage Style Show. The style show and brunch begins at 9:30 a.m. at the museum. Mid-July: Dedication of Marion Ross exhibit in new addition. Museum staff hopes Marion Ross will be able to attend the dedication, and the exact date and time will be announced closer to the date. July 25-28: A metro area theater group presents “The Visit,” set in the museum’s village. Tickets will be $15 and are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com. The play is funded by state Legacy Amendment dollars. Aug. 15: Mystery bus tour. Signup by Aug. 9 by calling the museum. Aug. 21: Echoes From the Past at Graceland Cemetery. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., but if it’s raining it will be held at the museum. Sept. 15: Autumn in the Village.
Kelli Lageson
James White, a carpenter with Larson Contracting, works on the expansion at the Freeborn County Historical Museum in May.
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