The St. Clair County Historical Society (STCCHS) swung a gold hammer on Phase Two of the Daphne Sumner History Discovery Center. STCCHS members and supporters gathered for a short ceremony on Tuesday, November 15 to launch the next round of work on the 1909 Queen Anne-style house that will be the future site of the Discovery Center.
Daphne Sumner, a longtime board member and past president of the Society, made the initial donation that inspired subsequent fundraising for the Center that will bear her name. Additional funds are needed to see the project to fruition. When completed, it will house a research library, artifact conservatories, offices, and programming spaces.
Founded in 1905, the STCCHS’s mission seeks to make St. Clair County’s amazing story tangible and relevant for today’s diverse community and for generations to come.
Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc. (K & L) of Highland has been hired for the basement-to-second floor demolition and revitalization of the structure. Phase One, which also involved K & L, included a gazebo, outdoor gathering area, and rose garden.
“The Society looks forward to working with Korte & Luitjohan to make the Discovery Center, a hub for local history, a reality for local residents and visitors alike,” said STCCHS President Chip Gray.
Gregg Korte, president of K & L, said his company is eager to partner with St. Clair County Historical Society on this project. “It was a pleasure working with the Society two years ago on the first phase of the Daphne Summer History Discovery Center. We are ready to help them fulfill their ultimate vision for the Center.”
The future Daphne Sumner History Discovery Center is located at 705 E. Washington St. in Belleville.
(PRESS RELEASE COURTESY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY)
