Sandstone restoration efforts will begin this spring with cleaning, sourcing stone, creating the mortar mix to match the original and tuckpointing the entire building. The goal is for the restoration to be completed by the fall. This is by far the costliest aspect of the project so hopefully our fundraising will keep pace! Our historical research committee has drafted an exhibit plan for one area of the museum and is considering constructing a “traveling” example that could be displayed in various locations.
We are eagerly awaiting news of grant awards. As part of the application for America250MI, Green Side Up has drafted a virtual landscaping design which we hope to have funded.
The Wright Night for Trivia was held Thursday, April 3. Competitors tested their knowledge of all things Wright as well as Michigan geography, history and sports. The team called “Ammi’s Friends” won the competition and took home Pizza Sam’s gift cards and WHR T-shirts. Auctions and a 50-25-25 raffle were capped off with a “Paddles Up” donation opportunity. Emcee Garth Anderson and auctioneer Jason Clark of Pioneer Auction Service (also a sponsor of the event) kept the party going. We banked over $26,000 along with the United Way’s $10,000 matching grant! Many thanks to all who participated in this fundraiser!
The family of local history aficionado Mike Groves who recently passed away requested that donations in his memory be forwarded to the Wright House Restoration effort. This generous tribute will be dedicated to the costs of the sandstone restoration.
Also, an endowment fund is in place at the Gratiot County Community Foundation if you’d prefer to direct your funds to that account.
More donation opportunities will be coming your way in the form of vendor booths at the Alma Farm Markets on May 17 and all four Saturdays in June and a raffle will begin May 17, with the drawing held August 16. If you’d like to be part of this history-making effort or would like more information, please connect with us via the Facebook page – Wright House Restoration Alma (MI) – or at the website wrighthousemuseum.org – or at the Gratiot County Historical and Genealogical Society at info.gchgs@gmail.com. Merchandise is always available.