The funds will go toward renovation and painting of the exterior of the 19th-century main office building.

“This is something we talked about for years,” IXL Historical Museum President Marilyn Popp said. “So when the grant came up, we had to go for it.”

However, before it receives a fresh coat of paint, they need to focus on repairing the damaged wood, as well as removing the old paint.

“We have a lot of preparation work for the project,” Popp noted.

Paul Larson, grounds and building caretaker for the IXL Historical Museum in Hermansville, inspects wood that needs to be replaced on the the 19th-century main office building. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“You can’t just start scraping the old lead-based paint off without having the proper equipment in place,” added Paul Larson, grounds and building caretaker.

Vice President Barb Peters said labor cost is a large portion of their job bids.

“It’s a very large building, so they have to work with a lot of lifts,” she said. “There is some ornate trim work at the peaks as well.”

Larson noted the large structure features 44 unique windows that are 9 feet high.

They are in the final stages of color selections. “We hope to be able to use two colors if it’s in the budget,” Popp said. “That would really make the features pop.”

Peters said they hope to secure a contractor that will be able to finish the project within the required time frame.

Weather is an issue they face with doing the paint work. “You can only paint outside during certain times and we had a lot of rain lately,” Larson explained.

The museum is seeking the community’s help to raise the 15% match they need to receive the funds.

More than 50 history projects across Michigan will split the $1 million from the America250MI History Grant Program. The program was created with funds appropriated to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by the Michigan state legislature.

In 2020, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer directed the Historical Society of Michigan and the Michigan History Center to coordinate the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence establishing the United States of America, the American Revolution’s role in Michigan’s history and the impact these and other historical events have had on Michigan. The two organizations created the America250MI Committee to aid and advise this effort.

“Michigan’s story is defined by generations of hardworking people who knew how to get stuff done,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer stated in a news release. “Let’s uplift their stories and make sure that they are passed on to future generations.”

“The America250MI projects will remind us all of the fundamental values that define what it means to be an American and a Michigander — that you work hard and take care of your community,” Whitmer added.

“This funding will empower these communities to elevate and share their local stories, which is vital to the understanding and preservation of our state’s rich history,” said Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan History Center, which shares management of the America250MI Committee with the Historical Society of Michigan.

Larry J. Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan, added the volume of applications demonstrates the necessity of this funding.

The program is expected to award a total of $2 million to history organizations through next year.

“There were three different tiers of reimbursement for a project,” Larson said.

“We are so excited to get this opportunity,” Popp said.

IXL Historical Museum members aim to also apply for the second round of grant applications, which closes in January 2026.

“We have been looking at that, too, but one thing at a time,” Larson said. “It’s so important that we are able to keep what we got here.”

Peters explained that they will need to address electrical issues in the future.

“It’s the parts you can’t see — we don’t want it to burn down because of bad wiring,” Larson said.

“It deserves preservation,” Popp said.

The main museum structure was built in 1881-82 by C.J.L. Meyer of Fond du Lac, Wis., as the office building for the Wisconsin Land & Lumber Co.

“An interesting fact about the building — during the time it was built there was only one a shingle mill lumber mill running in Hermansville, so all the materials came from Fond du Lac,” said Larson, adding they are unsure if the current flooring is an overlay of the IXL flooring or the original hardwood.

Larson added he was told by the late Geno Arduin, former member and historian, the building has no foundation and is believed to sit on bedrock.

In 1900, his son-in-law, Dr. George W. Earle, acquired almost all the stocks and bonds of the company and took over operations.

When his son, George H. Earle, died in 1978, it was stated in his will that the structure be torn down five years after his death.

Earle’s daughter, Anne Louise Lungerhausen, didn’t let that happen and helped to make it the historical site it is today. The museum was organized in 1982.

The museum was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

“Every ounce of the history of the IXL, along with the town of Hermansville, is here in the museum,” Popp said.

The IXL Historical Museum Board is grateful to America250MI for the help to support their mission of preserving Hermansville history.

Those wishing to make a donation can contact a museum member or email ixlmuseum1882@gmail.com.

The multi-complex museum, at W5551 River St., is open from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays until Labor Day.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.