Column: Preserving the Past, by Pat Mulso

2013 has been a year of many changes for the Freeborn County Historical Museum. When I look back at the photos that show the progress of the building addition, it’s hard to believe just how much has been accomplished during this past 12 months.

From the shell of our new addition to the completion of Phase 1, the breakthrough and blending of the old and new buildings, moving the library and reception areas and then finding new spaces for the gift shop, the workshop, storage area, exhibits etc., much has been done, but yet there are many things still on my list of to-dos.

We will be working on the new paper archive area, the train room, saving the built in exhibits on the lower level (the doctor/dentist office, hospital room and printing exhibit), outside signage, inside signage and the recognition of donors to the Freeborn County Historical Museum’s expansion, just to name a few.

2014 will be another year of many changes as we settle in and find appropriate places for items still not placed in their permanent locations. With the new addition and new year, you will also want to take note that we will have a new schedule beginning Jan. 8.

We will be open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round. With this change in schedule, we hope to attract those families that are not able to make it to the museum during the week. Please plan to visit us this winter and see the many changes to our exhibits or to use our research library.

We also are planning to hold new activities on Saturdays, so please stay tuned for details after the first of the year to see what may be of interest to you or your family.

Yes, our meeting room can be rented for special occasions, check our website, www.fchm.us or give us a call at 507-373-8003 if you have questions or would like to reserve the room for your event.

The museum will host a four-hour defensive driving class on Jan. 11, 2014, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for others. The cost includes the course materials and an administrative fee. You must register for the class and will need your driver’s license number. To receive the lower cost you will need to provide your AARP membership number. The refresher class is needed every three years after the initial eight-hour class to continue to receive a discount on your auto insurance premium.

Today, merry, as in “Merry Christmas,” suggests gaiety or joyous, but the original meaning was a bit different. The word was over 400 years old when it was first written down in 1827, and at that time it meant peaceful or pleasant.

Remember during this Christmas season that it is more blessed to give than receive. Sometimes the simplest gifts are those most cherished — remember a shut-in or someone who has no family nearby — a short visit or call could brighten their day and warm their heart!

The museum will be closed from Dec. 21 through Jan. 7 for the Christmas holiday.

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and look forward to serving our community in 2014. Merry Christmas and thank you to all our museum volunteers for a great year.

We appreciate all you do!

 

Pat Mulso is the executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Museum in Albert Lea.