An official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Kalona Historical Museum in the Kalona Historical Village is set for 2 p.m., Monday, March 29, at the site at 715 D Avenue.

Officials from the Kalona Historical Society, as well as city representatives, among others are expected to attend the event.

Building of the museum, which will house the Kalona Quilt and Textile Museum as well as the Reif Rock and Mineral Collection, is underway. Completion is expected this summer, said Kalona Historical Society President John Wallerich.

Contractor for the project is C. Schlabach Construction of Kalona.

Funds

Funding for the new museum is from Historical Society resources, as well as a major fund drive. The latter included creation of Legacy Wall that will be within the museum entrance.

The Legacy Wall offers a brick (for either $100 or a $1000) donation that is engraved with either the donor’s name or in memory (or honor) of someone else.

The Society also sold a limited edition of special mascots, Rocky and Ruthie, and a few sets of the special stuffed bears are still available.

Welcome

Besides the quilts and the Reif Collection, the new facility will provide a Welcome Center for visitors to the Village and to Kalona. In fact, the new museum will become the main entrance into the Village itself.

Wallerich said that a dedication ceremony for the new museum will follow its completion.

If all goes as planned, the new museum will be ready by the time the 28th annual Kalona Fall Festival takes place September 24-25.

Tours

Spring hours at the Kalona Historical Village resume April 1 and are 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

The Society’s By-Way Tours start April 15 with times the same: 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Reservations are accepted at the Kalona Chamber of Commerce office, 656-2660.