A state Historical Society grant will help the Freeborn County Historical Museum in its race to raise funds for new fire and burglary alarm systems.

Thursday, May 17, 2001

A state Historical Society grant will help the Freeborn County Historical Museum in its race to raise funds for new fire and burglary alarm systems.

The $7,500 grant brings the total collected amount to $29,585, said Freeborn County Historical Society Executive Director Bev Jackson. The estimated cost of installing the systems is $39,000.

Even though the museum doesn’t have all the money yet, Albert Lea Electric began work on the system early last week, Jackson said. They expect to complete installation within a month.

&uot;They’re trusting that we’ll find the money someplace,&uot; she said. &uot;We are too.&uot;

Historical Society members discovered the building’s fire alarm system was not functioning last year. The system is too old to repair, members say. The new system will provide heat, smoke and fire protection, and will be the most sophisticated alarm and fire detection system in a Minnesota county historical museum, Jackson said. A new burglary alarm will also be installed.

The Historical Society has appealed to members and local units of government to help foot the bill for this unexpected expenditure, Jackson said. The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners donated $10,000, and the Albert Lea City Council donated $2,000 to install the new systems. The Historical Society has collected about $10,000 from individuals and businesses. The Historical Society has received two $1,000 donations, and a few $100 donations, but most have been $5-$20.

&uot;People really have been generous,&uot; she said.