Preserving the Past by Pat Mulso

Here we are coming to the end of another month, where does time go. We want to thank all of our volunteers that helped to make the 29th annual Eddie Cochran Weekend and our fourth annual Vintage Style Show both huge successes. Many volunteer hours go into the advance preparation of both of these events and without the volunteer coordinators and all the volunteers that help before, during and after the event they would not be possible. So thank you, thank you to everyone involved!  Two great events again this year.  The proceeds from these two fundraisers are split between the building fund and museum programs and projects.

Speaking of the Freeborn County Historical Museum Building Fund, the balance of our building addition loan is $186,500. I am very pleased to announce that we have received 100 percent of the pledges that were made for the museum building addition. These pledges were made as our building addition drive began and throughout the building expansion project. Some were one-time donations and others were payments received over a two to three year time period. I believe that receiving 100 percent of the pledges is a rare occurrence and shows the true spirit of the individuals that make up our community and their dedication to our project and the preservation of the history of Freeborn County and its people. If you would like to contribute to reduce the principal balance of our remaining loan, any donation is welcome and is tax deductible.  You may stop in with a donation or send it to the museum and mark it for building debt reduction or you may contribute by credit card on our website which is www.fchm.us.  Thank you everyone for your generous donations.

Our July defensive driving refresher class will be from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 16, 2015. The four-hour class is required every three years after the initial eight hour class is taken to continue receiving a discount on your auto insurance. The cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for nonmembers. This fee includes class materials and an administrative fee. You must pre-register for the class by calling the museum at 373-8003 or stopping by during our regular business hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

The FCHM Board of Directors is hosting a swiss steak fundraiser from 4:30 to 7 p.m. July 23 at the American Legion, 142 N. Broadway, Albert Lea.Tickets are $9 and available at the museum or from any FCHM board member. Proceeds will be used for museum programs and projects. Please join us for a great meal and support your local museum and the American Legion as well.

Save the date, Aug. 19 is our annual Echoes from the Past …A Journey into History. This event will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the museum. Advance tickets are $7.50 and are available at the museum. Seating is limited, so purchase your tickets early to ensure admittance. Re-enactors bring to life the story of four pioneers of Freeborn County. We have a special guest star this year, Marion Ross will be visiting Albert Lea and has graciously agreed to be one of our re-enactors.  So don’t delay, purchase your ticket soon.

The museum has some new additions to some of our existing exhibits as well as some new exhibits. We will also be adding some new mini exhibits throughout the summer in preparation for the 50th anniversary of ACT in our community.

The museum will close at 2 p.m. on Friday and will be closed on Saturday for the Fourth of July holiday. We hope everyone has a safe and happy Fourth of July!

 

Pat Mulso is the executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library and Village, 1031 Bridge Ave.