NORWICH – Understanding and sharing the past takes an entire community, says Walter O. Rogers, a member of the Chenango County Historical Society. To reinvigorate public interest in the local story, Rogers and fellow society representatives are moving ahead with plans to expand the society’s museum on Rexford Street in Norwich – giving them room to unearth a collection of area treasures they say many residents have yet to discover.

To kick-off fundraising for the project, Rogers said the non-profit organization will host a dinner Feb. 22 at the American Legion in Norwich. Special guests and local speakers will be on hand to provide anecdotal insights into the county’s past.

“They have artifacts there that are remarkable,” Rogers said, explaining that in recent years there hasn’t been enough room to display it all. “We want to bring the history of Chenango County back to life – we want to bring it to everyone’s attention – that’s why we need the expansion.”

The society’s current plan, in development since 2005, would reportedly add 12,000 square feet of exhibition and educational space off of the north and west ends of the building. In all, they’re expecting renovations and construction to total $3.5 million.

Chenango County pledged its support back in October 2005 with $100,000 spread over a three-year period.