ARUNDEL — The thought of frozen ground may conjure up melancholy images of a cold and harsh winter, but for the Arundel Historical Society, it’s great news.

Cold temperatures over the last couple of weeks have frozen the clay-rich soil of the society’s headquarters ”“ a parcel of land abutting Limerick Road and Route 111 that is slowly being transformed into a hub of town activity and history.

That freezing has allowed construction crews to roll across the land without sinking into it, a hazard that can be particularly troublesome for heavy equipment as the temperature starts to climb.

With that freedom of movement, foundations have been built for the two historical homes that were moved onto the property two winters ago. In February 2012, the Burnham house and the Lunt house, two of Arundel’s oldest structures, were wrested from their old locations on Route 111 to the historical society’s land, with the goal of transforming them into a centralized headquarters ”“ something the group currently lacks.

Donna der Kinderen, treasurer for the Arundel Historical Society, said that with the foundations built, and the homes finally ready to settle into their permanent spots, further plans for the site can finally move forward.

“Now we can do the restoration and repair part of the program,” she said.

That process will involve repair work to the buildings’ exteriors, replacing the windowsills, thoroughly cleaning the interiors, and simply making sure the basic structure is sound.

Additionally, each of the homes will eventually be decked out in period furniture and decor to give them a little extra dose of authenticity. The historical society may have to purchase items, but der Kinderen said she hopes that donations of both money and materials will carry the day.

In fact, it’s been the strength of donations that have allowed the project to make it to this point, said der Kinderen. And now, the group will focus its fundraising efforts on securing cash for the next big update to the site: the North Chapel Common, a replica of the old North Chapel Church that once stood on that very tract of land.

Jake Hawkins, president of the Arundel Historical Society, said the vision for North Chapel Common entails an exterior that’s faithful to the look and shape of the old building, with a modern interior that can serve as a town center of sorts ”“ a place where meetings, gatherings and performances can be held.

“The only thing we’ve got right now is the (Mildred L. Day Elementary) school,” said Hawkins. “We hope we can get the community invested in this.”

While the cost of the common has yet to be determined, funds will be raised through the usual means: A series of bean suppers, raffles, auctions and special events such as Arundel Heritage Day in September. These fundraisers have been successful for the group in the past, and this year, Hawkins said they hope to add a lecture series to the slate of fundraising events to further bolster society coffers.

More information can be found, and donations made, at www.arundelhistoricalsociety.org.

— Staff Writer Jeff Lagasse can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 319 or jlagasse@journaltribune.com.