MENUAnnual Fund 2026
Dear members and friends of VCHS,
It is that time of year when an appeal is made to your generosity to help your society and museum. I would like to give you a brief synopsis of our main accomplishments in the last year as well as a picture of our current financial situation.
2025 was a fantastic year for us, as we were able to install our heating and AC on the 2nd and 3rd floors. It has really changed the museum experience for the better, now that visitors can comfortably browse the exhibits even in the middle of a heatwave. The Board and I want to thank each one of you who helped us financially to make the heating/AC a reality.
We have also been successful in bringing educational programs to the public. Kristen, our Executive Director/Curator, should receive kudos for setting up the wonderful programming that is bringing in standing-room-only audiences. At the beginning of this year our new employee, Bridget, began her journey with us. She already has proven to be an asset to the organization with her talents and enthusiasm.
We offer an irreplaceable service to the residents and visitors of Vernon County. Locals and visitors alike can come to the Museum and History Center to find information, stories, photos, and objects that have a strong personal connection to their lives. Many of these resources are not available online or anywhere else.
As you know, the Vernon County Board DID cut our annual stipend by 25% for the year 2026. In 2025, the County’s support was $50,000. This year we received $37,500. Due to the cut, we now have a shortfall of $14,470 for this year.
The Board and I are appealing to you to help us through this short-fall year. Any dollar amount will add up and be helpful. We also are asking the County to reinstate our funding. Please contact a County Board member to express your support of our fine organization and ask them to do the same. We rely on your generosity to continue serving our community now and into the future, and we thank you for all your past support as well. We truly cannot do what we do without your help.
Dian Krause, Board Chair
Yes! I will contribute to the 2026 Annual Fund by making a donation to the Vernon County Historical Society: