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The Ellis County Historical Society’s 2023 Phase 2 plans for the red brick church renovation are currently on schedule with the ADA-accessible basement bathroom completed.
The exterior accessibility along with a curator lab renovation is scheduled for fall and winter 2023.
The HVAC system, desperately needed for the protection of the society's artifacts and archives, is on order and will be installed in conjunction with each floor’s remodel.
"None of this would have been possible without our community’s belief in both our mission and our ability to – once again – achieve our mission," the press release from the society said.
"Chief among those impressed with the current leadership and direction at ECHS is the Board of the Schmidt Foundation. It is an immense honor to announce ECHS’ receipt of $350,000 from the Schmidt Foundation. These funds are part of a substantial grant received over the next five years. The impact of this gift cannot be overstated," the press release said.
This is capital expenditure money that will not only help with the work in the brick church but will help renovate the Victorian-era house and the stone church. It is a monumental gift that will fuel the society's future expansion plans at its Hays campus.