MARYSVILLE — A slowdown in donations has forced a delay in plans for a new Marysville Historical Museum.
The Marysville Historical Society, though, plans to keep working hard to try to raise $3 million for the new building it’s planning next to Jennings Memorial Park at 6805 Armar Road.
The group originally hoped to have enough money by the end of last year to start building its new museum of up to 9,000 square feet. Now, they’re not worried about a target date so much as raising the money, period.
Ken Cage, president of the historical group, said he’s not certain if the recent stall in donations is because of the economy.
Either way, he said, “we’re looking for hotel-motel grants, we’re looking for corporate grants, we’re looking for any place that people have funds they look to be philanthropic with. We gotta go shake the nickel bushes.”
The 150-member society currently has two small museums open to the public: a former storefront at 1508-B Third St., which features many old telephones, and the Gehl House at Jennings Park.
Much of its collection, though, is in storage, scattered around town in private homes, storage lockers and other locations, and the group needs more space to put it all on display.
The group has about $200,000 in hand, and another $650,000 if pledges are added. They can start building if they get to about $750,000, but “we don’t count it until it’s in the bank,” Cage said.
Cage has been speaking to service clubs, at retirement homes and to others. He’ll speak to anyone who will listen.
“I have a blabbermouth and will travel,” he said.
Reporter Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439 or sheets@heraldnet.com.
Marysville History Museum needs donations
For more information about the Marysville Historical Society and its planned new museum, or to donate, call 360-659-3090 or 360-659-5808.
Visit the museum office at 1508-B Third St., Marysville.
The historical society is online at www.marysvillehistory.org.
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