Wednesday, February 28, 2001

History holds a special place in any community, as well it should. The City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County take pride in their history, and both rely on the Freeborn County Historical Society to preserve it.

Now, the organization finds itself in a pinch, and it needs some help from the city and county to get through. Their request is reasonable, and both the city and county should contribute.

The museum needs a new fire and security system to replace its 16-year old set up – the city’s own fire department has even recommended replacement. This system is crucial to ensure that irreplaceable items are safe and secure for years to come.

It’s a shame when any structure burns, but the reality is that most things can be replaced. In the case of the museum, however, a collection of historical artifacts and records has been painstakingly built over years and through many hours of work. If they are destroyed, they are gone forever.

The city and county both have considerable interest in ensuring that their heritage is preserved. The museum’s value to the community and accessibility to all its residents, including school students, is crucial.

It’s clear the museum is only seeking government help because the cost is far above what it can afford. Such dilemmas don’t come along often. When one does, it’s up to the community to come through when it is needed.