a letter from our leaders
Dear Friends of Minnetrista,
In the final weeks of 2023, we were proud to announce the publication of Karen Vincent’s wonderful Ball Stores coffee table book. Since then, the stories contained in that book and the memories passed around the community have reminded East Central Indiana of a time when our families, friends, and neighbors could walk into a world-class department store with offerings that met their needs, satisfied their wishes, and stimulated their imagination. It was a place for the community.
At Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, 2023 was a year when we rededicated ourselves to making a unique, worldclass destination for our community—with vibrant exhibitions and programs that entertain and enlighten, and gardens and grounds that provide a colorful sanctuary away from everyday concerns. 2023 also was a year when we challenged ourselves anew to ensure Minnetrista is a place where everyone feels welcome. We want everyone to feel free to stop by like they’re going to a friend’s house—grab a cup of coffee or tea, pick up a book and sit out on the porch at Oakhurst, or visit the home where Bob Ross painted and learn how to paint like he did, absorbing his positive energy and assurances that, no matter what’s going on in the world, we can find reasons to be happy.
You are our friends and neighbors, and we appreciate you! You are welcome at Minnetrista—you belong here.
With sincere thanks,
Steve Moore Chair, Board of Trustees
Brian Statz President & CEO
collecting ball beyond
by mindy price & susan smith
Did you know that the Minnetrista Heritage Collection is the repository for the records of several local organizations? Donated materials become the property of Minnetrista but are always available for research to those organizations and the public unless a restriction is requested. This process allows these groups to maintain their records in a safe environment while allowing Minnetrista to more fully document the activities and histories of the social and service organizations in the East Central Indiana region.
In 2023, several of these groups donated materials and objects to the Minnetrista Heritage Collection:
• The Conversation Club is a women’s club that encourages “a liberal interchange of thought by study and discussion of all subjects pertaining to its objects.” Their recent donation contained meeting minutes and attendance records. Previous donations included program yearbooks, scrapbooks, photographs, and treasurers’ records.
• Tri Kappa Sorority is an Indiana service sorority dedicated to special projects that locally support their three goals of Charity, Culture, and Education. The Beta Associate Chapter donated a scrapbook documenting their activities for the years 2015–2017.
• The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County annually deposits materials that document their activities for the previous year, including press releases, annual reports, brochures, and more.
• Prior to vacating their downtown location, the YMCA of Muncie donated Camp Crosley materials, a 2021 Mayor’s Proclamation, a Hill Sharp portrait of H.A. Pettijohn who was the long-time YMCA General Secretary and Director of Camp Crosley, several books, and a large carved stone YMCA emblem.
For any questions regarding the donation of materials or objects to the Minnetrista Heritage Collection or to make a research appointment, please contact either Collections Manager Mindy
Read all it
In early 2023, Minnetrista was stunned and delighted to receive word that the Bob Ross Experience would be featured in People Magazine’s 25 Things to Do, Eat & See! about
by jennifer parks-strack
beyond our campus
In 2023, Minnetrista Museum & Gardens increased efforts to serve our mission beyond the physical boundaries of our campus. We did this through a large variety of community outreach, off-site programs, and by continuing to fulfill our important role as East Central Indiana’s community gathering place.
We participated in a large variety of community events in 2023. Two of our favorites were Muncie’s annual Juneteenth Celebration and the Muncie Pride Festival, where we hosted community tables. Showing up at these events allowed us to talk with neighbors about what Minnetrista has to offer while lending our institutional voice to the celebrations.
In September, Certified Ross Instructor Chris Taylor took the Bob Ross Painting Workshop on the road and provided a free class to residents at the YWCA of Central Indiana. The YWCA provides emergency housing and resources for women and children. Though hesitant at first, by the end of the workshop, the participants were smiling and proud of their creations!
Minnetrista was also the proud recipient of a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission to create a partnership between our Theatre Preserves program and a special education class at Muncie Central High School. Theatre & Events Manager Kirsten Novotny crafted a retelling of
The Lion King and the students from Jacqueline Greer’s class performed it for peers with puppets. Jacqueline and her students were able to see a different side of what Minnetrista has to offer, right in their own classroom!
Throughout the year, Minnetrista also hosted donation drives for multiple organizations within East Central Indiana, collecting items such as diapers, clothes, food, toys, personal care items, and more. These drives provided a way for our members and visitors to contribute to local family-serving organizations and for Minnetrista to show our support for them as well.
When we say, “you belong here,” we want the community to know just how deeply we mean that. It is our vision that everyone feel comfortable walking through our doors or onto our grounds and know that they are welcome.
8,778 Our attendance to Enchanted Luminaria Walk in 2023—our largest attendance for that event in over a decade! A banner year
by tania said
programming fresh
Minnetrista Museum & Gardens was a very busy place in 2023. Need proof? We added it up and were astounded to realize we hosted, produced, or partnered with other community organizations to offer 136 programs last year! And never content to rest on past successes, 2023 included fresh offerings aimed at growing our audience.
The fall of 2023 brought exciting changes with two new impactful programs.
Inspired by Minnetrista's Tea & Talk programs, the Muncie Bridge Dinner, and other shared dining experiences, Tapas & Talk was piloted in October of 2023. At the event, guests enjoy speakers with expertise on unusual and interesting topics while tapas—shared small plates of food—are served.
According to program founder, Lily Rawson, “The seating and food style is meant to foster new friendships and connections for community members… We’re looking for that connectivity of shared interest in something as simple as food, when one guest asks another to pass the dish and then they have an interesting exchange.” The series’ inaugural speaker was Chris Flook, a public historian and professor at Ball State University, speaking about his new book titled Indianapolis Grave Robbing: Syndicate of Death. The event sold out, putting this new series on strong footing for expansion in 2024.
Later the same month, Minnetrista offered the Boo-levard Bash as an add-on to the extremely popular free Family Adventure Day. Boo-levard Bash was intended to encourage visitors to casually stroll down and experience the Minnetrista Boulevard while trickor-treating at all the historic Ball family homes. The success of the new event was outstanding with 1,347 family and friends, even surpassing the Family Adventure Day’s record-breaking success of 731 participants.
The Return of a Favorite Play Space The Return of a Favorite Play Space
by lindsey horan
Minnetrista was forced to close Betty’s Cabin—our free, nature-themed play space—in 2020 due to COVID-19. With repairs needed and budget constraints to consider, we were unable to reopen this popular offering with the rest of our buildings in the fall of 2020.
Our team continued to plan and dream for the time when we would be able to re-introduce Betty’s Cabin to the community. Our hopes came true in early 2022, after a series of conversations with local entrepreneur, Kimberly Ferguson, resulted in a generous gift in support of our shared vision. Kimberly was interested in this project because her family loved Betty’s Cabin and she and her husband had fond memories of playing with their kids there.
With a one-time gift to support the cleaning, repairs, re-design, and outfitting of the space, and a three-year commitment to support staff hours, Minnetrista celebrated the grand re-opening of Betty’s Cabin on December 31, 2022 with a Countdown to New Years family celebration.
The space continues to be open three days a week, totally free of charge to visitors. It is stocked with nature-themed toys and art supplies aimed at pre-school and early elementary children and their adults. The space also plays host to frequent free activities and events. In 2023, families joined us for a variety of special programs, including Puppet Theatre, Snowflake Making, Story Times, Fancy Hat Parties, and so much more.
These playdates, fun afternoons, and intergenerational connections would not have been possible without that generous donation. This is just one of the many ways our donors made magic happen in 2023, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Betty's Cabin is presented by:
Visitors showed their Betty’s Cabin welcomed 2,500 visitors in 2023!
Landmark
In 2023, Grounds Assistant Tim Smith celebrated his 30th Service Anniversary at Minnetrista. excitement anniversary
Inviting the Community to Celebrate GIRLHOOD
by brian statz
Minnetrista was proud to be selected as the first stop of a national tour of Girlhood (It’s complicated), the groundbreaking exhibition developed by the Smithsonian Institution, and previously featured at the National Museum of American History. The Smithsonian developed the exhibition to mark the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in 2020, but the exhibition covered a wide range of experiences and issues that girls have faced and continue to face in the United States.
While landing a major exhibition from the Smithsonian would be enough for some, we reached into our collection and collaborated with the community to assemble artifacts and stories that celebrate the impact of girls in East Central Indiana. We told the stories of girls and women from the last 100 years (or more) who made a difference in our community, including Ruth Chin, Barbara Rench, Nettye Pierson, and Carrie Gillenwaters. You can still read some of their stories on our website (scan the code on the facing page), and many visitors told us they enjoyed reading about the local history as much as they enjoyed the rest of the exhibition.
The Girlhood exhibition also allowed us to partner with other organizations on meaningful programs about notable girls in history and about opportunities for girls growing up in our community today. Our partners in these programs included Ball State University's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute, the Muncie Public Library, the League of Women Voters, Delaware County Historical Society, TechWise Academy, Academy of Model Aeronautics, and Growing Remarkable Opportunities with Women. We are grateful for their time and contributions!
One of the most striking features of the exhibition was the ability for visitors, young and old, to leave comments about what girlhood means to them. Turn the page for a closer look at some of those comments.
We are proud to have been able to work with our community and the Smithsonian to bring these stories to you, and we hope you found them to be as impactful as we did!
Do a dive
If you missed the exhibition, or just want to take another look at those stories from local girlhoods, scan the QR code to check out our June 2023 blog. deeper
GIRLHOOD (response cards)
One powerful aspect of Girlhood (It’s complicated) was the opportunity for Minnetrista visitors to add their own words to the exhibition. These visitor comments were left on display for all to read, and included words of inspiration, determination, frustration, and hope. Here we explore some of what was collected during the run of the exhibition.
I learned that a lot of people don't truly know what it feels like to be me, but I feel grateful there are places like this to learn. I learned that there have been amazing women throughout history that we don't know about and we get to learn more each day about how amazing we can be.
- Anonymous
I learned that you should dress, talk, and act a certain way or you will get made fun of. All my life, I've been stripped of my "blackness" because I dress this way, talk this way, and act this way. I was always the butt of the joke because I was different from the rest of the black girls.
- Anonymous
The school dress code made me believe my body was dangerous, or at the very least, a distraction. I felt a sense of responsibility from a young age to cover up and felt guilty or shameful when a man would look at my curves like it was my fault for dressing provocatively. - Anonymous
educate partnerships that
by james mitchell
Minnetrista worked to strengthen and grow mutually beneficial partnerships in 2023. The results? Too many to list here! But we’ve selected a few of our favorites to celebrate.
Minnetrista was proud to partner with Ball State University (BSU) in the creation of Habitiles, a new web-based video game. The game was the focus of an Immersive Learning Project led by Dr. Paul Gestwicki. This educational video game coincides beautifully with some of the lessons we hope visitors take away from our natural areas and gardens and helps make learning about them even more fun! Players take on the roles of various animals in our environment and work to achieve a higher score than their opponents. They must also navigate and avoid threats that impact the health and safety of these animals, which can decrease their score.
Students from Taylor University engaged with Minnetrista staff to develop a welcome video to help acquaint guests to the history of our site and its myriad of uses today. Taylor faculty member Steve Bailey has been overseeing the film making process, which was largely completed in 2023. Minnetrista Trustee, Nancy Dayton, helped make this connection. We hope to have the final film ready to share with visitors by the end of 2024.
In addition to partnering with faculty in the region, Minnetrista staff Lily Rawson and Brett Ellison have taken their professional skills and offered that expertise back to local higher education programs. Lily, an adjunct professor in
the BSU School of Art, hones her craft and inspires emerging glass artists to prepare for careers in the fine arts. A BSU alumna herself from the Glick Center for Glass, Lily’s relationships help to enhance the work that happens in both locations.
Brett Ellison uses his years of practical experience in the kitchen and shares that with students in the hospitality administration program at Ivy Tech in Muncie, his alma mater (2016). Brett shared, “One of the benefits of Ivy Tech is that they provide a work-ready workforce. Adjunct instructors like me are able to take real-world experience to give examples in the classroom that complement the textbook learning. I get to give back to and educate the future of our industry.”
Improving the quality of life in Muncie, Delaware County, and across East Central Indiana is a worthy goal, and we are thankful for the many higher education partnerships we have that help make it happen!
Join in the Grab a friend and play Habitiles by scanning the code.
school tours
47 Schools
2,843 Students
“This was a great trip. My students said their favorite part was getting to become nature artists,” shared a Maple Ridge Elementary School teacher about their Fall 2023 school tour.
Ball Stores Not Forgotten
by sebastián encina & nick fatout
Minnetrista experienced great growth and tremendous achievements in 2023. Among these accomplishments was the publication of former director of collections, Karen Vincent’s long-awaited book Ball Stores: East Central Indiana’s Shopping Center. The book recounts the story of Ball Stores, the longtime Muncie-Marion institution, and its place in the history of the community. Karen weaves together the stories of the store, from its founding to its final days in 1989.
The Orchard Shop at Minnetrista has sold nearly 500 copies of the “Ball Store” book. With the combination of in-person shopping and online order options, total revenue exceeds $16,000 to date! This is a tremendous showing for a local history book. While these earnings are always important to our museum’s sustainability, it’s also exciting to know that so many copies have found a home in the hands of eager readers.
In addition to its impact on sales at The Orchard Shop, Ball Stores has also influenced Minnetrista's galleries. Given the strong partnerships and rich trove of historical objects and stories in Minnetrista’s Heritage Collection, it was only natural that this topic would inspire a new exhibition. The Ball Stores exhibition brings to Minnetrista another way to explore the company's story and connect with the people who remember the store fondly.
As the book and exhibition have been embraced, Minnetrista has fielded numerous calls from people eager to share their collections and stories. Memories flooded social media as people compared their recollections, asked about people who once worked at the stores, and reminisced about store details and events. Over thirty years have passed since the final Ball Stores location closed and people still remember their experiences fondly. The institution, though long gone, will never be forgotten.
Minnetrista Museum & Gardens presented the following exhibitions in 2023.
Mindbender Mansion | January 2023–May 2023
33rd Annual Minnetrista Juried Art Show | January 2023–April 2023
Collecting Community | April 2023–March 2024
Indiana Waterways: The Art of Conservation | April 2023–September 2023
Girlhood: It’s Complicated | June 2023–September 2023
Muncie Artists Guild | August 2023–September 2023
Indiana Wildlife Artists | September 2023–October 2023
Creatures of Habit | September 2023–May 2024
Turtle Travels | September 2023–December 2023
Brain: The World Inside Your Head | October 2023–January 2024
The Joy of Painting, Season Two Paintings | October 2023–October 2024
Open Space: Art About the Land | November 2023–January 2024
Returning to the World | November 2023–February 2024
family
Creating at BRE
A love for Bob Ross can bring people together, but did you know that newlyweds Chris Holmes and Anna Jonkis met at Minnetrista while becoming certified as Bob Ross painting instructors? The two were married in June 2023. Scan below to read more!
REVENUE
EXPENSES
BALL BROTHERS FOUNDATION
GEORGE AND FRANCES BALL FOUNDATION
EARNED REVENUE
CONTRIBUTED REVENUE
ENDOWMENT INCOME
TOTAL $2,635,000 $1,050,000 $828,808 $445,765 $225,472 $5,185,045 2022 2023
$2,585,000
$1,050,000
$834,082
$369,821 $206,967 $5,045,870
COLLECTIONS & EXHIBITIONS
PROGRAMS & SIGNATURE EVENTS
FACILITIES & GROUNDS
ADMINISTRATION
COST OF SALES
DEVELOPMENT
TOTAL
$1,499,429
$1,267,845
$1,145,830
$656,166
$574,343
$205,069
$5,348,682
$1,493,361 $1,143,937
$1,035,795 $695,618 $600,082 $246,116 $5,214,909
In 2023, Minnetrista increased revenue over 2022 while reducing expenses. This was a result of a continuing focus on fiscal health and overall sustainability. Our final 2023 accounting showed a small operating deficit, which we covered by a Board-approved release of funds from our operating reserves.
Total Exhibition Visitors
Volunteer Hours
11,949
Total Member Households Visitation has risen by 6% compared to 2022.
3,690
Volunteer participation has significantly declined since the COVID-19 pandemic.
972
New Donor Households 509
We've set a new record at Minnetrista with an 8.8% increase in memberships over 2022.
This is a big jump over previous years, as it’s now possible to add modest donations to your ticket purchases!
2023 supporters
FOUNDERS
Minnetrista celebrates the Foundations that made the first contributions supporting the establishment of the organization.
Ball Brothers Foundation
George and Frances Ball Foundation
FOUNDERS FUND ENDOWMENT
CATALYST CIRCLE
We appreciate the individuals and organizations that have made lifetime gifts of $25,000 or more to the Minnetrista Founders Fund Endowment.
Stefan & Joan Anderson
Ball Brothers Foundation
Ball Corporation
Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation
Frank & Rosemary Ball*
George and Frances Ball Foundation
Waldo Beebe*
R. Donald Bell*
Frank* & Judy Bracken
Gordon & Pamela Cox
First Merchants Corporation
Charlie & Charlotte* Hetrick
Jarden Home Brands
Don & Terri Matchett
MutualBank Charitable Foundation
Old National Bank
Frances Petty Sargent*
Patricia Schaefer
Nancy J. Smith
Terry & Cheryl Walker
The Winchester Foundation
Marjorie P. Zeigler*
2023 ENDOWMENT CONTRIBUTIONS
Thank you to these individuals & organizations that contributed to the Minnetrista Founders Fund Endowment in 2023.
Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation
George & Holly Buss
James Edwards & Katie Cannon
Randy & Amanda Gowin
Brian Peterson
Peggy & Paul Ulrich
2023 ANNUAL FUND SUPPORTERS
Minnetrista celebrates the individuals that made unrestricted contributions to support our work.
OAKHURST CIRCLE
Stefan & Joan Anderson
Ed Armantrout & Bonita Ramirez
Alexander & Sally Bracken
Mr. & Mrs. Gordon D. Cox
Kimberly & Patrick Ferguson
James Gooden
Amanda & Dustin Jones
Robert Kersey
Eric Lin
Laurie Lunsford
Nancy Millard
Steve & Shawn Moore
Frank & Angela Petty
Tammy & Dave Phillips
Donna Polcz
Nancy Smith
Van & Margaret Smith
Brian & Holly Statz
Marty Sulek & Alison Syme
NEBOSHAM CIRCLE
Hazel Amos
Douglas & Jacquelyn Bakken
J. Neal Barnum
Bryan Beaty
Cecil Bohanon & Barbara Alvarez
Scot & Jo Boyce
Betty Brewer & Steve Perry
Ken & Peggy Briner
Faye Chechowich & Tom Schroeder
Sharon Cox
Laura & Dave Crampton
James & Elizabeth Fisher
James & Julie Forcum
David & Nancy Galliher
Mike & Cathy Galliher
Jeannine & Gayle Harrold
Joseph Hartzell
Dave & Deborah Heeter
Steven & Kristen Herbst
Lindsey & Tom Horan
Mary & Dan House
Ruth Jennerjahn
Olaf & Katherine Larson
Angie Livingston
Elizabeth & Michael McClinchie
James Mitchell
Patricia Pelizzari
Edmund & Jane Petty
Judith Roepke
Connie Ronald
Neil & Jane Schmottlach
Steve & Staci Slavin
Robert Smitson
Charles V. & Claudia B. Sursa
Marla Templeton &
Keith Greenwalt
Claudia Thomas
Terry & Cheryl Walker
MAPLEWOOD CIRCLE
Eva & Brock Abel
William & Lois Altman
O'Linda & Marv Anderson
Candace Bankovich
Stephen & Phyllis Bedi
Ben & Pat Bennett
Bill & Kathy Benz
Claudia & Clayton Bonnell
Sally & Scott Bowman
Stephen Brand
Ann Briggs
Robert & Ruth Brown
Juanita Bruns
William Buntin
Thomas Clark & Mary Foster
Cindy & Wil Davis
Nancy & Stephen Dayton
Brett Ellison
Spencer Evans
Award–culture
winning
In March 2023, Minnetrista Museum & Gardens was honored as a “Best Interactive Museum for Neurodivergent Minds” by the inclusive online magazine ADDitude. In 2023, Minnetrista was honored with an Oscar Award from our partners at Muncie Clean & Beautiful!
MAPLEWOOD CIRCLE
Ermalene & Edgar Faulkner
Ron & Cheryl Fauquher
Carey & Jud Fisher
Tim & Melba Fox
Deborah & Keith Gary
Tisha Gierhart
Rebecca & Chris Gonya
Jane Gortner
Merrill & Linda Greene
Linda Gregory
Sara Shade Hamilton & Brandon Hamilton
Ryan & Rigel Jackson
Michael & Jackie Johnston
Robert La France
John Lightle
Katherine & John Littler
Ann Ludwig
Gloria Mantock
Ronald & Anita Martin
Terri & Don Matchett
Susan & Roger McConnell
Linda & Jerome McKean
Keith & Elaine Miller
Jon & Nancy Moll
James & Linda Needham
John & Margo Oesterle
Lori Pajeau
Dianne & Luke Philippsen
Rebecca Roland
Steven & Cheri Scott
Carol Seals
Marti & Julius Silvidi
Steve & Barbara Smith
Timothy & Linda Smith
Ann & Thomas Spotts
Gary* & Ruth Swetnam
Alice Thomas
Jim & Nancy Thompson
Emma Tillman
Ali & Nick Tokar
Judy & Dick Valos
Sally Jo Vasicko
Katherine & Douglas White
FRIENDS OF MINNETRISTA
Chip & Jeanne Alexander
Chris & Christine Allen
Ralph Amos
Anonymous (2)
Shelia Asberry
Stephen & Mary Avila
Jessica Ayres
Leonard & Joanne Baierwalter
Barbara Barbieri
David Beach & Erika Blair
Robert & Tommye Beavers
Norman & Joyce Beck
Jo Ann Beckley
Herbert & Marlene Berner
Nicholas Beverly
Samantha Blankenship
Christy Bohn
Becky Bowman
William & Margaret Bracken
Ralph & Elizabeth Bremigan
Cindy & William Britton
Susan & Joel Brumley
Eugene Brunswick
Walter Burrin
Nancy & Tom Cale
Nancy Carlson
Carol & Clarence Casazza
Daniel & Roxanna Chalfant
Clare & Steve Chatot
Helen Clark
Mike & Susie Cloyd
Jean Coffman
Jennie Comer
Linn & Susan Crull
Philippa Culley
Andrew Cusack
Patricia Dale
Jack & Patricia Demaree
Margaux Dever
Linda Dietrich
Mark & Barbara DiFabio
Steve DiMaria
John & Tracie Disher
Mary & Cornelius Dollison
Mariah & Patrick Dull
Deborah Dunn
Julia Dunn
William & Barbara Eidson
John & Anne Eliades
Sue Errington
Mark & Molly Ervin
Lance & Mary Jo Estep
Linda & Douglas Ferguson
Julie Fields
Patricia Fields
Sherry Flowers
Larry & Donna Fouch
Michael Fouts
Jane & Robert Freestone
Jack Frost
Jean Gadziola*
Jill Gauker & Robert Koester
David & Julie George
Suzzan Giesman
Stacie & Marc Girard
Keith Gleason
Michelle Glowacki-Dudka & Gerry Hall
Michael Goldsby
Jane Greene
Carolyn & Michael Grieves
Raymond Gruber
Sabrina Gurney
Betty Hays
Donna Healy
Janis & Jon Hendrix
Diane Hill
Sara Hinkle
Cole Hitchcock
Hollyanne Hoernig
Gregory Hoffman
Melissa Householder
Barry & Elizabeth Hudson
Lori and Greg Hug
Nancy & John Humbert
Sarah Humphrey
Barbara & Roger Hundley
Miles Huston
Earlene Jeakle
Jessica Jenkins & Karen DePauw
Lisa & David Jennings
Sheila Johnson
Sarah Lou Jones
Lisa K. Karcher
Stan Keil
Eric & Sandra Kelly
Christina Kelso
Gwendolyn Sue Kinsler
Dafina Kirk
Jan & Carolyn Kornilow
Carolee & Dennis Kramer
Mary Lamb
Carolyn Landis
John & Suzanne Larson
Elizabeth Latu
Susan Leffler
Gloria & Ord LeMaster
Robert Lester
Darleen Lugenbuhl
Ashley & Justin Mann
Patricia Marley
Thomas & Jan Marsh
J. Richard & Elizabeth Marshall
Melanie Marshall
Jamie Mathew
Vicki Maynard
Barbara McClellan
Margaret McClellan
Tracy McConnell
Kathie McDaniel
David & Linda McGalliard
Jude McKelvey
Jennifer McKinney
Karen McKinney
Juli & John Metzger
Roger & Nancy Miller
FRIENDS OF MINNETRISTA
CONTINUED
Tim & Mary Miller
Robert & Kay Mingle
Lisbeth Mitchell
Bruce & Sandra Moore
David & Darlene Moorehead
Mark & Mary Mordue
Jan & Todd Murray
Richard Murray
Sharon & Scott Mynsberge
Kela Neils
Carol Nelson
Jonathan Nester
Lori & Doug Newell
Chloe Newman
Edna North
Don & Claire Park
Jennifer Parks-Strack & Benjamin Strack
Jerry & Janet Peirson
Elizabeth Ploog
Donna Polovich
Bonnie Preston
Leslie Pryor
Suzanne & Keith Pugh
James Pyle
Peggy & Bob Reilly
Chris & Cherlynn Renner
Chuck & Rhonda Reynolds
Joyce Rhoades
Sherry Riggin
Chris Rodgers
Phermelia & Joseph Rogers
James & Mary Rosema
Matt & Melissa Rust
Janay & Chris Sander
Terri Sanders
Ray Saylor
Hilda Sayre
Margaret Schemenaur
Jeff Scott
Larry & Tamara Scott
Paula Sharzer
Scott Skinner
LaRea Slater
Cory Smarsh
Patsy Smith
The Smith Family
Judy Sodders
Marty Songer
Michele Soriero
Larry & Jeanine Souders
Sheila & Richard Spisak
Daniel & Lynne Stallings
Michael Statler
Barbara Stedman & Martha Hunt
Hope & Brad Steele
Cheryl Steele
Chris Taylor
Sally Taylor
Sue Taylor
Shelly Todd
Nadine Tringali & Michael Mayfield
Susan Trout
Nancy Turner
Laura Turvey
Nancy Umbach
Judy & Warner VanFleet
Ross* & Harlean Van Ness
Russ Vernon & Anita Martin
Karen & Jim Vincent
Rinda & Don Vogelgesang
Jenna & Stephen Wachtmann
Alana Wampler
Woody Wantz
Dale Warner
Rachel Watson
Austin Weiland
Larry & Lona Wesley
Maria Williams-Hawkins
Beverly & Alan Wilson
James & Pamela Wingate
Gerald & Terry Yoakum
Janet Young
Rena Zenarosa
Stephen & Nancy Zirkle
Mary & Kevin Zwickl
2023 SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS
FOUNDATION PARTNERS
Thank you to the generous foundations that supported our mission in 2023.
Association of Science & Technology Centers
Ball Brothers Foundation
The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County
Edmund F. & Virginia B. Ball Foundation
George and Frances Ball Foundation
Indiana Arts Commission
M.R. Metzger Family Foundation
Muncie Altrusa Foundation, Inc.
Sherman and Marjorie Zeigler Foundation, Inc.
The Simons Foundation
The Winchester Foundation
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Minnetrista thanks the businesses who gave over $1,000 to support our mission.
Bob Ross Inc.
BSU Women’s & Gender Studies
DeFur Voran
Destination: Muncie
eKeeper Systems, Inc.
Estep Burkey Simmons
First Merchants Bank
First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors
FlatLand Resources
Indiana Trust Wealth Management
LeafGuard
League of Women Voters
LifeStream Services
Marissa Earls, NextHome
Elite Real Estate
Muncie Public Library
Navient
Old National Bank
Open Door Health Services
Peterman Brothers HVAC
PrimeTrust Federal Credit Union
WellNow Urgent Care
Whitinger & Company
BUSINESS PARTNERS
Minnetrista thanks the local organizations who gave up to $1,000 to support our mission.
BSU Office of Community Engagement
CS Kern, Inc.
Interlock ECI
The Meeks Mortuary & Crematory
Muncie Coin and Stamp Club
Normandy Flower Shop
Taylored Systems LLC
Thomas Business Center, Inc.
TRIBUTE GIFTS
Minnetrista was humbled to be the recipient of tribute gifts that celebrated & honored the following people in 2023.
IN MEMORY OF DOROTHY BUNTIN
William Buntin
IN MEMORY OF GILBERT BUNTIN
William Buntin
IN MEMORY OF JUDITH BUNTIN
William Buntin
IN MEMORY OF NANCY BUNTIN
William Buntin
TRIBUTE GIFTS
IN MEMORY OF JANE ITALIANO
Shirley Paluch
IN MEMORY OF ALEXANDER MEAD
CHERISHED MINNETRISTA COLLEAGUE
Anonymous
Melissa Ellis
Tammy Shatto Houser
Jack & Jean Ann Parks
Mary Saxon
Tammy & Scott Underwood
Chelsea Waltermire
IN MEMORY OF ADELIA BALL MORRIS
Patricia Pelizzari
IN MEMORY OF JOHN SHOCKLEY
William Buntin
IN MEMORY OF DAVID R. SMITH
Deborah Foster
IN MEMORY OF CHERYL TILLMAN
Minnetrista was honored to be selected as the recipient organization for the many memorial gifts made in honor of Cheryl Tillman’s life. The Museum worked with the family to install a memorial bench in Minnetrista’s Nature Area, which encourages visitors with one of her favorite sayings, “Make it a great day!” We offer our heartfelt gratitude to all those who donated to honor Cheryl’s memory.
Amanda Abel
Eva & Brock Abel
Tanda & Tony Abel
Julie & Steve Amspaugh
Jerry Baker
Shannon Barker
Janet Bolin
Bruce Bothast
Robert & Ruth Brown
Beverly Chenoweth
Aliana Clymer
Marsha Cockerill
Dinah Collins
Compass Wealth Solutions
William Dartt
Michelle Diament
Bradley Fackler
Darrell Gower
Anna Graft
Rita Graft
Katie Hargreaves
Carmen Hartzell
Joseph Hartzell
Pamela Heindselman
Debra Hendrickson
Stacy Hines
Jan & Jack Hinty
Kaitlin Hughes
Dan & Shauna Hurley
Joyce & Reinert Husmann
Connie Jennings
Kathi Jones
Tonda Jordan
Maura & Emil Kaeding
Swapna Kakani
Beverly Key
David Key
John Key
Sam & Peggy Key
Carrie King
Pat Knasinski
Cheryl Lewis Marcum
Susan Linder
Angie Livingston
Susan Maurais
Deborah Mendenhall
Michael & Vickie Meyer
Emily Moeller
Teresa Mosier
Janet Mote
Rachel Moystner
Joy Murphy
Aislinn O’Kane
One Carbon Partnership
Elizabeth Rowe
Elizabeth Sickels
Silvertowne
Brenda Smith
Christine Stout
Larry Temple
Claudia Thomas
Amy Thornburg
Marla & Stephen Threewits
Nancy Threewits
Emma Tillman
Ron & Tracie Tillman
Cheryl Weatherholt
Linda Wilcox
Brenda Wilson
IN MEMORY OF HELEN M. TOWNSEND
Betty Brewer & Steve Perry
IN HONOR OF JENNA WACHTMANN
Monday Afternoon Club
IN HONOR OF NATALIE YOUNG
Monday Afternoon Club
HERITAGE
COLLECTION DONORS
Minnetrista celebrates the individuals and organizations that donated to the Heritage Collection in 2023.
Bob & Jane Adams
Stefan Anderson
Sheila Asberry
Barbara J. Ballard
Ball State PBS
Diane Barts
Barbara Brady Beeker
Michael Bell for the R. Donald &
Susan Bell Family
Bob Ross Inc.
Wilma Carey
Camp Crosley YMCA
The Estate of Ruth Chin
Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County
Bonnie Dodyk
Thomas L. & Linda J. Farris
Teri Freeby
Mary Harper
Gayle Harrold
Stephen Hatch
Elizabeth F. “Bella” Leeor
Bonnie J. McClain
Jeff & Lee Ann McHolland
Vicky W. Morris
Kurt Mussler
Vickie Oliver
Patricia Pelizzari
Frank B. Petty
Rubbermaid Inc.
Charlotte Sheppard for MCHS
Alumni Assoc. Memorabilia and the Conversation Club
Ann M. Stack
James Stonebraker & Joanne Bradley
Sheryl Swingley
Pamela West
YMCA of Muncie
Natalie Young
2023 ARBOR DAY SUPPORTERS
Minnetrista wishes to thank the following organizations that made the 2023 Arbor Day celebration a success.
City of Muncie
Community Enhancement Projects
Eric Gillette Horticultural Services
FlatLand Resources
Jay-Crew Landscaping
Muncie Urban Forestry
Plant Studio Landscape
Sherman and Marjorie Zeigler Foundation, Inc.
Townsend Corporation
2023 SPECIAL PROJECT SUPPORTERS
Minnetrista received gifts in support of a variety of special projects in 2023. We are grateful for those who gave generously to these efforts.
“BALL STORES” BOOK
Frank & Angela Petty
COLLECTION PRESERVATION & ACQUISITION FUND
Michael & Danielle Bell
Bonnie Dodyk
Roselyn & Pat McGunegill
L.L. BALL HOME RESTORATION
Indiana Landmarks
trustees officers board of trustees emeritus
Steve Moore, Chair
Steve Smith, Immediate Past Chair
Sara Shade Hamilton, Vice Chair
Ed Armantrout, Vice Chair
Jeannine Harrold, Secretary
Stefan S. Anderson
trustees
John Anderson
Candace Bankovich
Faye Chechowich
Nancy Dayton
Ermalene Faulkner
Tim Fox
Tisha Gierhart
Rebecca Gonya
Bob La France
Darlesia Lee
Ann Ludwig
Katie Morgan Perez
Tammy Phillips
Chuck Reynolds
Matt Rust
Jeff Scott
Steve Slavin
Brian Statz, President & CEO
Marty Sulek
Judy Valos
Douglas A. Bakken
Frank E. Ball*
Jim Borgmann
Frank A. Bracken*
Jack Demaree
Terri Matchett
John J. Pruis*
Jack Ronald*
Nancy Smith
