The Warren County Historical Society is making progress with plans to expand its museum. The nonprofit organization recently awarded a bid to Freise Construction to nearly double the size of the existing structure. The winning bid, one of eight received, was for $614,500. The same company built the existing structure in 1982. The expansion is being made possible through a $850,000 gift from the estate of R. Stuart Hummel, of Sonoma, Calif. The donation was announced in May 2009. Jan Sutherland, historical society president, said it has yet to be determined when construction will begin, but that winter weather could delay the start until the spring. “We’re going to start when the weather is more conducive to construction,” Sutherland said. “It’s very possible that ground won’t be broken until March.” Once the project is started, the company has 140 days to finish construction. Freise Construction built the existing building in 1982. “We are excited to get started,” Sutherland said. “The money was a great gift at a good time. We’re in desperate need for an enlarged building.” Since bids came in lower than anticipated, Sutherland said, members are now looking at the possibility of upgrading areas, such as flooring, HVAC, lighting, trim and adding moveable walls. So far, the group has spent about $50,000 on architecture fees and other expenses, she said. Sutherland added the organization also has received an additional $200,000 from the Sonoma Foundation through the Hummel estate. Those funds will be used to help outfit the museum with fixtures and materials for exhibits. Other bids were submitted by J.T. Holman Construction ($617,000), Duggan Contracting ($630,000), T.S. Banze Construction ($645,950), Demien Construction ($650,000), Cannon Companies ($659,000), Lamb Construction ($673,000) and Orf Construction ($709,000). The current 3,872-square-foot museum is located at 102 W. Walton, a block south of the courthouse in Warrenton. The Hummel addition will add 3,872 square feet. Hannibal-based Kettelkamp Architect designed the project. A large addition will be constructed to the west of the current structure and will feature a multipurpose exhibit hall that could seat up to 50 to 60 people, storage room and restrooms. An unfinished basement, measuring 2,770 square feet, will provide space for more storage. A smaller addition will be located on the south side of the present museum. The 40-foot by 20-foot area will be used for the preparation of displays and exhibits. The cupola, preserved from the old courthouse, will be relocated to the southwest corner of the new addition. The historical society plans on expanding its displays and programs and plans to keep the museum open more days once the expansion is complete. Currently, the museum is open only two days a week. “We can have more up-to-date exhibits, education programs and more storage,” Sutherland said. “It will give us the ability to revamp our community outreach programs.” The historical society was aware of the $850,000 bequest since the 1990s, but discussions accelerated following Hummel’s death on Dec. 16, 2007. He was 92. The main stipulation of the bequest made by Hummel is for the addition to be named for his father, William F. Hummel, and his uncle, Arthur W. Hummel. The twin brothers were born near Warrenton on March 6, 1884. Stuart Hummel’s parents and uncle were Methodist missionaries in China for many years. Stuart Hummel and his wife, Kathleen, who died in 2003, were married for 62 years. The couple had two children, William and Anne. The money is being managed by the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation.