From: "Rita Frakes" <rita42@centurytel.net> Subject: RE: Invitation Date: Sun, 18 May 2008 21:11:53 -0500 Message-ID: <OLEDLGFKLLDILABDEECOOEHFCIAA.rita42@centurytel.net>
The village of Mazomanie lets the society use the building at no charge and
pays the utilities except phone. The building was originally the electric
power generating plant. It also allows us to use a small building rent free
for storage. Two private individuals allow us use of storage space in their
structures. Our Research Center is located in the public library also a
village building, at no expense to the society.
Our best fundraiser is the Benefactor Fund. We send a mailing in Dec. to
members, businesses and organizations requesting money. We have raised
$5,000.-9,000. annually and it costs us printing and postage. Volunteers
help with printing and mailing. This fund is solely for the purpose of
providing money to fund the parttime curator's position. Although it
doesn't cover that expense entirely, it saves us from dipping into our
general fund. We recognize the benefactors in a newsletter, a posting in
the museum, and a thank you note.
For a small village pop. 1,500, and small society with very limited funds,
this is the easiest, quickest way to raise funds. It would take a lot of
bake sales or pancake breakfasts to raise this kind of money.
We have received several grants which require matching funds through the WI
Historical Society/Council of Local History and the Dane County Cultural
Affairs Commission. Although small grants they have enabled us mount new
exhibits, purchase archival supplies and shelving, and enabled us to remodel
and old bathroom, add a hotwater heater, etc.
In 2007 we held a silent auction for cemetery urns (as is, most complete, 2
partials) and we raised almost $1,400. However, a society has to be very,
very careful of disposing of anything in its possession and it important
that the public and members understand we only accept artifacts,
photographs, and archival materials that we want. A donor might give
something specifically for raising funds and that is quite a different
matter.
In June we are going to dispose of several travel and storage trunks and
suitcases, method to be determined yet, but probably by silent auction. Some
are in deplorable condition, others duplicates, and most with NO relevant
history, so they do not meet our mission statement. Most were donated in
the 1970s when accepting almost anything might have been acceptable. Now,
due to storage space, we have begun to access artifacts, and "clean out the
community attic" so to speak. It is going to be a long process with some
tough decision-making being made. Although, at first over-whelming, now that
we have begun the process, it is exciting and the end result will be more
storage space, a truly better and more consise, useable collection.
Hope this gives you some ideas. I certainly am reading all the info. from
each of you; the sharing/networking is so valuable.
Our museum opens Sun. May 25 for the season; is open holidays, Sundays, and
Wednesdays, 1-4pm., through Labor Day weekend, or by appointment,
608-795-2992. Our Research Room is open by appointment. Contact our
Research Historian, Virgil Matz at 608-767-2305 or Research Historian, Virgil Matz at 608-767-2305 or vmatz@tds.net.
Rita Frakes, Curator, MHS
-----Original Message-----
From: localhistory-request@listserve.uwec.edu
[mailto:localhistory-request@listserve.uwec.edu]On Behalf Of leeplace
Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2008 6:05 PM
To: localhistory@listserve.uwec.edu
Subject: Re: Invitation
A couple of questions to all Societies.
1) How did you get your buildings? Through donation from private
individual, town owns, you bought yourself...
2) What is your best money maker regarding fund development?
Public/Private donations, events, raffles...
TIA!
Packwaukee Historical Society
----- Original Message -----
From: "Marjorie Eid" <marjneid@athenet.net>
To: <localhistory@listserve.uwec.edu>
Sent: May 18, 2008 2:07 PM
Subject: Invitation
> The Winneconne Historical Society Museum has a complex of five buildings
> that are opening May 25th,
> 1:30-4:30 P.M. and every Sunday thereafter until after Labor Day.
> Visitors may use a brochure for self guided tours or may elect to have a
> guided tour. These buildings sit in a corner of Marble Park on West Main
> Street where there are facilities for swimming, picnicking, and a
> playground for children. The photo shows the Railroad Museum (a former
> depot), a Doll Museum (English Cottage); and the Steamboat House. That
> house is built around authentic lower and upper steamboat cabins. Not
> shown is our One-Room School House and what we refer to as our Little
> House. All of these buildings have histories to go with them and contain
> a lot of memorabilia. Two of them are wheelchair accessible and have air
> conditioning. There is no charge but we appreciate donations. We also
> have group tours and for information regarding those, call 1-920-582-7643
> or check through this e-mail address. Hope to see some of you this
> summer.
>
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