History Center sets annual fundraising dinner

The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center's annual fundraising dinner will help pay for a model of downtown Cedar Rapids at the museum - among other things.

Lisa McKirgan, the history center's communications director, said proceeds from the Oct. 11 benefit will help maintain the historical society's collection and cover operations and new acquisitions, such as the installation of the HO scale (1/87) railroad built by cousins Don Lodge of Atlanta and David Lodge of Cedar Rapids.

"We're going to make it a permanent display but there's a lot involved with that," said Lisa McKirgan, the history center's communications director. "It's exciting, but a relatively expensive and long-term project."

McKirgan said that project will be among the ongoing costs to be covered by this year's fundraiser, set for Oct. 11 at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. The historical society's annual budget is $426,200.

"It's for our general fund," McKirgan said of the fundraiser. "We have so many things, but we're not doing a capital campaign."

Admission will be $45 for Linn County Historical Society members, $50 for non-members.

After a cocktail reception, silent auction, and dinner buffet, the Eddie Piccard Quartet will perform. For more information, contact the History Center at (319)362-1501.