The Freeborn County Historical Society recently selected Larson Contracting, of Lake Mills, Iowa, to build the addition to the museum, which will add approximately 10,000 square feet to the existing building. Construction will begin late spring, said Pat Mulso, executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library & Village.

“The time is right and the time is now,” said Mulso. “We are just at capacity and in order to continue preserving Freeborn County’s history we need more room.”

Once completed, the addition will house an expanded museum library, meeting rooms, a children’s learning lab, additional restrooms on both levels, an elevator, as well as a new entrance and reception area. More convenient parking, expanded archive, storage and work areas, expanded exhibit space, and an Albert Lea High School exhibit are also planned.

Phase one of the project will cost $1 million, with the total expansion projected to be just over $1.7 million. “Fundraising will continue until the $1.7 million goal is reached,” said Mulso. “Currently, $905,000 has been raised for the project.”

For more information or to make a donation contact Mulso at 373-8003 or stop by the museum located at 1031 Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea.