ST. CLOUD -- The Stearns History Museum announced its plans to double the size of its current location at Thursday's "Night at Your Museum" fundraiser.

Nearly 200 people attended the event to bid in a silent auction, chat with a Teddy Roosevelt re-enactor, and check out the museum's plans for expansion.

"This is a great night -- a lot of work has gone into getting ready for this superb evening of fun, food, and fundraising," says Stearns History Museum CEO Jim Davis.

Davis says the museum needs to expand in order to remain viable.

Proposed new museum. The area outlined in blue represents the current building. Photo by Isaac Schweer, WJON
Proposed new museum. The area outlined in blue represents the current building. Photo by Isaac Schweer, WJON
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"This museum is now at capacity, both in terms of [storage] and our exhibit space is too small and doesn't have the current technology that today's learners want to see."

Davis says the expansion will almost triple the size of the current museum building.

"At the same time, we plan to bring in a children's museum into the museum as well."

A number of different efforts are being used, Davis says, including grants and additional fundraising in order to complete the estimated $15 million project in the next three to five years.

Photo by Isaac Schweer, WJON
Photo by Isaac Schweer, WJON
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