By Carol Anders Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — A ribbon-cutting ceremony Sunday marked the culmination of the efforts of many individuals, businesses, and organizations that contributed to the expansion of the Marshall County Historical Society and Museum.

Welcoming the guests for the occasion was the president of the Historical Society, Dr. Ronald Liechty.
Dr. Liechty explained that the process started full steam upon receiving an INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation) grant in 2005 to open a transportation museum. He said grants were for $800,000 and that local community members raised the matching total of $300,000 to complete the over one-million dollar project.
He also gave a special thanks to volunteers who worked together during the massive move for the museum.
“They worked a combined total of 445 hours,” he said.
Scout troops from all over the country presented the flag ceremony and led tours of the museum. Troops represented included: Boy Scout Troops 239,251,257 and Cub Scout Troops 255, 222.
Also sharing thoughts on the opening was Indiana State Representative Nancy Dembowski.
“Who knew those two buildings were hiding this beautiful architecture?” Dembowski said. “We need to remember that by honoring the past, we reflect our future.”
Helping to cut the ribbon on behalf of the Marshall County Commission-ers was Jack Roose, who served as the liaison from the commission to those working on the project.
“It’s been a rather long arduous process,” Rooose said. “There’s no small task in raising $300,000. The community will have a museum they can be proud of.”
Architect for the project, Brent Martin, shared in the ceremony as well.
“It as an honor working on this project. It was well worth the effort,” he said.
Among those recognized during the ribbon cutting were: United States Representative Joe Donnelly, Indiana State Senator Ed Charbonneau, Marshall County Council (Ward Byers as liaison), Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter, and the Board of Directors of the Historical Society.
The program for the event listed the following for making the renovation a success: INDOT, Michiana Area Council of Governors, Marshall County Commissioners, Michiana Contracting, B.A. Martin Architect, RQAW, Schoberg Restorations, Terry Boswell, Vanadco Signs, Steve’s Overhead Door, Specialty Systems of South Bend, and Nova Basement systems.
Others thanked were Morris & Sons, Inc. Countertop Shop, Inc., Marshall County Glass, Lasalle Bristol, Hoover Contracting, Climate Makers, Atlas Building Services and All American Harwood Floors.
Local resident Kurt Garner was among those in the audience with deep affection for the completed project. Garner was one of several who were instrumental in formulating the original concept of the Transportation Museum highlighting the crossroads of the Dixie Highway-1915, Yellowstone Trail-1912-1930, Grand Army of the Republic (U.S. 6)-1931-present, Lincoln Highway-1913-1950s and Michigan Road-1826-1900.
Garner said, “It is a great asset to the county. The museum will be a huge draw across the state for those interested in discovering historic routes.”