Plans for a new House of Flags museum building in downtown Columbus received a big boost recently with a $40,000 anonymous donation.

The museum has been raising funds to remodel the former Columbus fire hall on Gibson Street, which most recently served as the county’s maintenance buildig.

The House of Flags says the recent donation, combined with $70,000 donated previously from nearly 300 people, service organizations and businesses, will help the project move forward. The museum is currently located at the Green Creek Community Center, but has been seeking a move to Columbus for the past few years in order to have a more central location and to be located next to Veteran’s Memorial Park.

“We are eagerly awaiting our move to downtown Columbus,” says Robert Williamson, chairman of the House of Flags Board of Directors.

Williamson says the Polk County government has vacated the building on Gibson Street in Columbus, but the museum is waiting for the N.C. Forest Service to move from the upstairs of the building to a new location in Mill Spring.

Meanwhile, Williamson says the museum is finalizing an agreement with a local contrator to oversee the remodeling project.

Estimates are also being prepared, he says, for the restroom and lobby additions to the building, along with the HVAC system.

“Our time in the temporary Green Creek facility is running short,” says Williamson. “Troubles with rainwater leaking into the building coupled with a lack of air conditioning (and heat) and restrooms have been taking their toll.

“However, the flag collection and displays have not been damaged.”

Williamson says the museum board appreciates the community’s support for the move to Columbus. Anyone interesting in learning more about the project can visit www.houseofflags.org.