2014 ANNUAL REPORT
2014
OUR MISSION: The Rock County Historical Society Enriches and Engages the Communities of Rock County, Wisconsin through Preservation and Dissemination of the Unique History and Heritage of Our Area.
OUR VISION: A place that defines the essence of Rock County, Wisconsin; its people, places and achievements during its rich past. A destination that serves to bridge past to present by using history as a tool to offer relevant, educational and entertaining experiences.
OUR VALUES: Our Values: Education Authenticity Entrepreneurialism Preservation Play & Discovery
CONTENTS
President’s Message ....................................................3 Director’s Message.......................................................4 Year in Review................................................................5 Special Events................................................................6 Education.........................................................................8 Legacy & Historic 100.................................................11 Membership ...................................................................12 Special Projects ...........................................................14 Dashboard......................................................................15 Financials........................................................................16 Marketing/Outreach ...................................................17 Archives and Collections..........................................18 Staff & Docents ............................................................19
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President’s Message Executive Committee After another long winter, we are anxious
efforts inspired the development of the
for warmer weather and new
Strategic Plan that will be the driving
opportunities to showcase the Rock
force for RCHS in the years ahead.
County Historical Society. Over the past year, we have built a lot of momentum to carry us forward in the new season. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the RCHS staff and volunteers, and the incredible support from our community, we were able to create a new engaging and interactive tour of the Tallman House. The Tallman Technologies Tour was the first new tour offered in 60 years, providing a glimpse of what made William Morrison Tallman and the Tallman House
The great work that is being done at RCHS is certainly being noticed beyond
Tim Maahs President Carolynn Mielke Vice President
our community. In May, the State Historical Society of Wisconsin Board of Curators will be hosting their quarterly
Ryan Trezek Treasurer
meeting here Janesville. During their two day program, they will be hosting meetings on the RCHS Campus, the
Kathy Boguszewski Secretary
Historic Women's Club as well as partaking in an architectural tour of the city. We are thrilled to be able to be a part
Anda O Connell Member at Large
of their meeting.
so ahead of their time. To keep this momentum going, we are This past year, we had the opportunity to highlight one of Rock County's treasures-with an expanded Pickard China exhibit. The addition of interactive kiosks added an exciting element that enhances the experience, offering a new perspective on the history of this company with strong Rock County roots. Complimenting the new exhibits and tours, our Tallman Arts Festival was once again a resounding
TRUSTEES
excited to be sharing our strategic vision at the Annual meeting. This plan is the outcome of a tremendous effort by Michael Reuter and many of the key
David Kurtz William Vogt Molly Ryan
community partners who have worked tirelessly to create a platform that is
Matt Ryan
inspriring, actionable and will anchor
Charles Rydberg
RCHS as a gathering place, destination,
Joe Knilans
and valued community resource for years to come.
Jeni Lindstrom
success. Hundreds of people were able to spend the day, reviewing the many
Our Challenge as we move forward this
Todd Kimball
talented local and regional artists,
year and beyond, is to ensure we can stay
Jackie Wood
enjoying good food from area
the course and see this vision become
establishments, and listening to great live
reality. It will not happen over night, and
music from area bands.
will require the sustained efforts of staff, volunteers, and our members. II am
Another first for RCHS was being able to work with Experience Design, a consulting firm based in Boston
excited by the support we have received and am honored to be able to be a part of carrying our good work forward.
specializing in museums to conduct an assessment and help to develop new
Thank you all for your continued support!
ideas for RCHS, the Tallman House, and
Timothy Maahs
the Helen Jeffris Museum Center. Their
Ex-Officio (City of Janesville)
Gale Price
Director’s
Column
Potential was the buzzword around RCHS in 2014. Through a myriad of ways, the Historical Society demonstrated the potential of its programs, events and operations by achieving great things in the past year. Using a multitude of formats, visitors of all ages got the chance to experience history in a ways they didn’t know were possible. Whether it was through an immersive Tallman tour, an interactive History Camp, or by viewing priceless artifacts, history has come alive at the Rock County Historical Society. A new thematic tour, Tallman’s Technologies, gave people a glimpse of understanding the narrative of the Tallman House from a different perspective. The Crafting Excellence exhibition reminded us of our artistic roots and the raw talent of those that have come from Rock County. In its second year, our History Camp continued to inspire younger audiences with its daily offerings of different educational activities. We were blessed to be able to add new faces to our team, while wishing nothing but the best to those that have moved on to other opportunities. Our greatest achievement in 2014 was collaborating to create our Strategic Plan, a inspirational and engaging vision that will direct the Historical Society for the next decade. By sharing it with the public, we aim to transform not only our sites and programming, but more importantly the community’s perception that the Rock County Historical Society can become a greater community resource than ever before. Thank you for all your support as we continue on this exciting journey!
Sincerely,
Michael Reuter
Executive Director
Over the past year, the Rock County Historical Society offered new tours, educational programs and events for visitors from all walks of life, both inside and out of Rock County, Wisconsin. All of these activities were made possible through the Society’s many generous donors, members and sponsors. The following pages detail the accomplishments and growth of the Historical Society in each key area.
Year in Review
Special Events Annually, our events are designed to engage our traditional audiences while attracting a new generation of visitor. By creating
Summer Solstice Fix the Fence June 21st, 2014 While celebrating Midsummer, the Society completed its Fix the Fence campaign, raising $10,000 to support renovations to the Tallman Fence, while becoming stronger advocates for historic preservation.
and incorporating more hands-on experiences within each event, visitors walk away with a more memorable experience that inspires them to talk about their heritage and history.
Lincoln-Tallman Fun Dash – June 14, 2015 Making history educational and fun at the same time is the goal of every museum. What is more fun than running through the streets of Janesville as Abraham Lincoln?
57th Annual Tallman Arts Festival August 3, 2014 Art in Nature was our 2014 theme honoring nature’s beauty. Educational activities, art and music embraced a more down to earth, naturalistic theme, while staying true to the Festival's core purpose of promoting local and regional artists.
TALLMAN ARTS FESTIVAL
Lincoln on the Lawn October 11 & 12, 2014 The 16th President came back to Rock County for a two-day visit and in the process, the Society made history come alive for a weekend while showcasing vintage Lincoln automobiles.
Haunted History of Rock County October 28, 2014
34th
annual
house tour & gala
A macabre affair that shared stories of Rock County’s sordid past.
34th Historic House Tour & Gala September 27-28, 2014 In honor of Parker Pen’s 125th anniversary, residents of the Columbus Circle neighborhood opened their homes to honor this cozy enclave and one of Janesville’s iconic businesses.
YOU are
Cordially
INVITED...
Education
Education is at the core of the RCHS mission. We seek to grow our slate of programs for youth and adults alike in order to bridge past to present. In 2014, we provided a glimpse at how the Society can be a more integral educational asset for the Greater Rock County community.
TALLMAN’S TECHNOLOGIES Our new thematic tour of the Lincoln-Tallman House not only immersed visitors by taking them back to 1872 as a prospective buyer of the site, but is designed to encourage repeat visitors to the Tallman House.
Crafting Excellence: The History of Pauline Pottery & Pickard China The decorative arts heritage of Rock County holds a diverse array of craftsmen and artists. Crafting Excellence highlights two distinct art forms and their creators via displays and multimedia technology.
History Camp A week-long adventure for Rock County students that immersed them in various disciplines of local history. Collaborations between the Historical Society, Beloit College and the Janesville School District made the event possible.
Janesville Historic Walking Tours By taking over the annual slate of walking tours, the Historical Society carries on a long tradition of offering the history of Janesville’s distinct neighborhoods to the public in a complimentary format.
Support Support and success of the Rock County Historical Society comes from a diverse group of community support. Our Membership is the bedrock of our existence in their belief of our mission; the City of Janesville has been a steadfast supporter of our stewardship of the Tallman site, Rock County government believes in the broader County narrative, and our new relationships with the Business Community opens new doors to a previously untapped group of supporters. Our Annual Appeal program provides critical operational support to keep our doors open and programs staffed while offering engaging and educational experiences. We honor the contributors to this program below:
$10,000 & Above Anonymous Dorothy Ashcraft Foundation George K. Tallman Trust Anonymous $1,000 to $9,999 Robert Duecker Claremont Jackman Foundation Tom Jeffris Parker Foundation Geoff Parker Verne Vollrath William Wartmann Elizabeth Woodruff Foundation $500 to $999 David & Kathleen Cullen Jim & Heidi Grafft $499 and Under Mr. & Mrs. Thomas K. Ahern Lois Allen Ray & Virginia Anderson John E. Anderson Dale & Ruth Anderson Daniel & Karen Atwood David & Sonjia Bagley Willa Bagley Larry & Susan Barton Alan & Jessica Bates Douglas Batty John Bauwens DDS Albert & Nancy Hansen Bennett Clarice Bergerson Winfred Bold Jane Bordner Dave Briske
Eva Brookhiser Whitey & Leslie Brunsell Dale & Mary Buchholz Roger & Kathy Burdick Charlotte Butters Bradley A. Cantrell Rosemary Fleming Cash Sally Cheever Phyllis Cockfield JP Cullen Ron Delaney Joyce Dodge Dennis Dooley Robert & Virginia Douglas Melita Downing Barbara DuBois Leonard P. Eager Jennifer Ehle David & Julie Feingold Carol Fosshage Deanna Frank Richard C & Joan Gates Bob & Jean Guritz Robert & Sylvia Harrison Barbara Hough Ruth Inman Vicki Johnson Joan Jorgensen Steve & Lynn Karges Ron & Sally King Ted & Jan Kinniaman Rex and Deb Kolste David & Jan Kurtz Arra Lasse Alfred & Nancy Lembrich Bradley W. Losching Dr. Steven & Larissa Lyon Jack & Joan Malin Rowland & Audrey McClellan
Pam McGill James & Kristin Meier Paulette Melvin Robert & Vivian Miller Richard & Diane Miller Anne M Naeser Richard & Joan Neeno Donald A & Barbara Nickerson Wayne Olson Michael A. Perry Ruth Ann Peterson Doug & Christina Rebout Michael Spoon & Hannah Roach Carol Roherty Dennis James & Gena Schachtschneider Earl & Gwen Schultz Jacqueline Schwengels Frank & Martha Scott Kay Sharpe David & Sharyn Sheen Frank F. & Jean Shuler Pete & Denise Skelly Greg & Lois Smith Charles Smith Leora Stavn Geralyn Summerbell Coral Swanson Barbara Tapovatz Harris Thacher Anne Thomas Susan Thompson Edna M. Thorp Thomas & Kathy Thostenson Ralph Topinka Pam Van Brocklin James & Linda Viney Kay Ward Lou & Carol Warner
Legacy & Historic 100 Members During 2014, the Historical Society continued to strengthen old and forge new relationships with the business community in Rock County through its annual sponsorship program. By offering Brand Recognition and Employee Benefits, the program soared, securing over a dozen businesses that provide financial and in-kind support.
LEGACY LEVEL
Larsen Acres
ld Fashioned Bakery
Lisa Karr Photography
HISTORIC 100
Sutterlin Restorations
Membership Members are the bedrock of support for the Historical Society. With this commitment, they get exclusive access to our new tours, exhibits and programs. A revised Membership Level structure and new marketing collateral offers even more incentive to support the Historical Society in the year to come. Thank you to all of our members who supported us in 2014 at across all of our levels.
Abraham Lincoln
Pete Skelly
Gee Gee Jannene
David Bradford
Charles Mowbray
Greg Smith
Steve Karges
Maggie Bromley
William Tallman
Geralyn Summerbell
Janet Labrie
Mary Buelow
William Lothary
Lori Cassels
Family
Tim Maahs
Sue Conley
Henry Janes
Den Adler
Dana Merker
David Dean
Bradley Cantrell
Dale Anderson
Diane Miller
Nancy Belle Douglas
James Lyke
Raymond Anderson
Peg Murray
Elayne Drenckpohl
Rowland McClellan
Tim Banwell
Hiram Nowlan
Robert Duecker
Jim Ryan
Larry Barton
Gale Price
Jennifer Ehle
Charles Smith
Peter Bentley
Dennis Ramberg
Dr. Curt Gonstead
Michael Spoon
Donald Beutin
Mary Rebout
James Hammel
Suzanne Bill
Matt Ryan
Gina Helgesen
Historian
Michael Bolster
Virginia Saltzman
Heidi Holden
Daniel Atwood
Roberta Bradley
Don Sartell
Gloria Huschka
Dolores Barlass
Bruce Briney
David Schollmeier
Lynne Jacobsen
Winfred Bold
Anthony Briski
W. W. Schwartzlow
Vicki Johnson
William A. Bolgrien
Susan Speth Brown
Scott Shadel
Elizabeth Jozwiak
Terry Branz
Kathy Burdick
Martin Stabb
Amy Jo Kenevan-Ruthe
Ron Delaney
G Richard Cope
Keith Steinbeck
Deborah King
William Doppstadt
James Cripe
Mary Terry
Jan Kinnaman
Britten Grafft
John Decker
Dale Thompson
Nancy Kopp
Jean Guritz
Russ Degerman
James Thorpe
Gloria Lentz
John S. Haye
David Feingold
Julie Unbehaun
Brian Marquis
Judith Jaggard
Frank Fiorina
James Viney
Dorothy McNall
Jack Malin
Dan Fredricks
Lori Vogel
Carolynn Mielke
Larry Nitz
David Gibb
Kathleen Wawrzyniak
Andrea Miller
Anda O'Connell
Cynthia Grantz
Jackie Wood
David Mowery
Cheryl Rogers
James Hay
William Zeman
Michael Mugnani
Oakleigh Ryan
Sandra Hendricks
Donald Saevre
Bryon Herzig
Individual
Lisa Reinicke
Dennis James Schachtschneider
Craig Holden
Maddie Adams
Michael Reuter
John Hoopes
Paula Albers
Hannah Roach
Earl Schultz
Clem Hudziak
Nancy Anderson
Susan Schroeder
Frank Scott
Patricia Hughes
John Bauwens DDS
Peggy Schutt
Willa Bagley
Justin Presny
Kay Sharpe
Marianne Dean
Elizabeth Kuranz
Richard Selje
Sterling North Society
Katherine A Demrow
Nancy Larson Will
Catherine Serleth
Coral Swanson
Pauline Dewitt
Steve Latka
Janet Severance
Edna Thorp
Walter Diedrick
Sue Ellen Madere
Charles W Simons
Pam Van Brocklin
Dolores Dilley
William Mathews
Susan Skinner
Jeff Warner
Melita Downing
Stephanie Mathews
Tom Skinner
Ron Yager
Barbara DuBois
Pam McGill
Leora Stavn
James H Dumke
Karen Goelzer- McKaig
Don Stoker
Senior/Student
Marti Everts
Bill McKelvy
Phyllis Stoker
Lucy Abram
Will Everts
Dana McKelvy
Elaine B. Strassburg
Kathryn Adams
Elvira Fazel
Mike McKinnon
Sandy Stratmeyer
Stephen Adams
Deanna Frank
Paulette Melvin
Shirley Swanson
Frederick Adams
Mary Frei
Jean Moore
Walden Thiede
Jim Alverson
Ray Freiwald
Gerald Mueller
Patricia Thom
Barbara Anderson
Judith Gibbs
Anne M Naeser
Susan Thompson
Kathryn Harris Aragon
Eugene Gibbs
Dr. Katsumi Neeno
Kathy Thostenson
Donna Bader
Sr. Lauretana Gorman
Charlotte Parsons
Sherry Thurner
Jonathan Bader
Naomi Hackbarth
Dean Paynter
Ed Timmer
Susan Bellman
Francette Hamilton
Michael A. Perry
Kaaren Torkelson
William Bevens
Dorothy Hanson
Donald C Persons
Ellen Trewartha
Barbara Bobzien
Betty Harnack
Ruth Ann Peterson
Verne Vollrath
Mary Boufford
Mary Ann Harris
Sara Pfannkuche
Rita Walker
Jeannine Bown
Kathleen Harrison
Susan Porter
Jacqueline S Webb
Donald Branz
Marsha Havertape
Phyllis Rice
Nancy Welch
K Andreah Briarmoon
Margaret Henke
Doris Roehl
Patrick Welch
Dave Briske
Dale Henning
Marlene Roessler
Roberta Wickham
Lillian Brown
Sandy Heuerman
Carol Roherty
Betty Willing
Charlotte Butters
Virginia Hirsch
Carol Root
Paul Wixom
Mary Butts
Carol Hurley
Florence Schaller
Elaine Wood
Norma Carlson
Rose Husen
Phillip Schauer
Pamela Yeager
Rosemary Fleming Cash
Nanci Zigler
Grace Jackson
Betty Schoenenberger
Mary Casper
Donald Jenkins
Erma Schultz
Jane M. Colby
Mary Owen Johnson
Marion Schumacher
Ken Conner
Joan Jorgensen
Roger Schwartz
David Cress
Sally King
Everett Scott
Susan Cress
Yvonne Koball
Lujean Scott
Sally Cullen
Beverly Koch
Ella Selby
Gwen Daluge
Jane Korsberg
Special Projects
Fix the Fence Fixing a fence is one thing, but rallying
Our Special Projects in 2014 inspired the community to act to broaden the reach and impact of the Rock County Historical Society’s mission across a variety of areas. Preservation, interpretation, education and strategic vision were all shaped by a variety of stakeholders who belief in our important work. Completion of these projects have positioned the Society to make big ideas turn into reality in the years to come.
a community around improving the gateway to a Rock County icon is another. Belief in the importance of historic preservation enable the Society to “Fix the Fence” at the Tallman House.
LEARN HOW 1850’S INNOVATIONS CHANGED JANESVILLE FOREVER.
Tallman's Technologies Tour "No reason to come back.", was the essence of the Lincoln-Tallman House. No more. With the first of several thematic tours to engage visitors and inspire them to return being launched, a new model for the site's sustainability was created.
Strategic Plan Creation No plan succeeds without a vision.
Rock Coun ty Histo rica l Soci ety
Strategic Plan
The Society recognized that it needed a Strategic Plan in order to cultivate the level of support needed to truly transform the organization and make it an invaluable educational and cultural asset to Rock County. Eight months later, we created just that; a fifteen year, three-phased Plan that positions the RCHS as the Portal to Rock County history.
Charles Tallman Archives Grand Opening It is our family stories that make history relevant to each of us. With a new site for the our archival collections, the Society is able to provide access and assistance to more visitors, while providing additional storage for our growing collection of photographs, documents and personal correspondence that captures the narrative of Rock County’s people. The Charles Tallman Archives is the research hub for the campus and strives to continue its outreach to all who are discovering their genealogical roots.
RCHS Dashboard VISITORS
14,528 O F
VISITED THE ROCK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY IN 2014
T H E S E
V I S I T O R S :
Created their own history via a Rental Event.
Interacted with the LincolnTallman House while on tour.
People discovered their Family’s Heritage at the Charles Tallman Archives
Visitors to the 2014 Tallman Arts Festival & other Special Events
Off-site Interactions with the Parker Pen Exhibit
1,151
2,718
3,941
4,462
2,256
SUPPORT
340 Members Support the RCHS Mission 221 Generous & Giving People Volunteered over 2,000 hours to support our mission. Over $10,000 of in-kind support was contributed in services and expertise.
RCHS.US O V E R
52,589
HITS
Avg. of 4,000 /month
58 Objects, Photos and Documents were entrusted to the Historical Society for future generations.
INTERACTIONS 2,528
208
(1,150 in 2013)
(101 in 2013)
2014 Financials STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES 2014 Support and Revenue by Source Public support......................................................................... 125,123 Public support - restricted use ..................................... 459,495 County contributions ............................................................. 9,244 Service revenue from the City of Janesville ............. 45,000 Event and exhibit revenue, net.......................................... 10,061 Membership dues and admissions................................. 26,856 Investment return......................................................................... 355 Archives......................................................................................... 8,519 Other ........................................................................................... 10,468 Total revenue ........................................................... 695,121
2014 Expenditures Wages and benefits ............................................................. 141,037 Office expenses........................................................................ 17,282 Insurance ..................................................................................... 9,634 Marketing and communication......................................... 15,686 Maintenance and repairs ....................................................... 8,677 Telephone, utilities, and IT .................................................. 39,614
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Professional fees ...................................................................... 5,500 Archives........................................................................................ 3,744
ASSETS
Other.............................................................................................. 5,479
Cash and certificates of deposit................................... 563,807
Expenditures - restricted use........................................... 141,525
Investments.............................................................................. 39,063
388,178
Contributions receivable .......................................................... 530 Inventory...................................................................................... 4,393
Depreciation............................................................................ 45,684
Property and Equipment.................................................. 987,676
Total expenditures ............................................... 433,862
TOTAL ASSETS.............................................................. 1,595,469
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Accounts payable and accrued expenses..................... 17,838 Net Assets................................................................................................. Unrestricted ..................................................................... 1,057,360 Temporarily restricted..................................................... 459,317 Permanently restricted .................................................... 60,954 Total Net Assets................................................................... 1,577,631 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS ............... 1,595,469
Marketing/Outreach Vibrant content, across multiple platforms, continue to excite, engage and entertain enthusiasts of Rock County’s history both inside the community and beyond!
The Finial continues to be a resource that informs, while sharing the happenings of other historical and cultural organizations in the Greater Rock County community! Our Business Sponsors and their rich commercial heritage continue to be a main element in promoting innovative and lasting leadership in the business sector. New offerings include a stunning website, Tallmantours.org that showcases new uses for the Lincoln-Tallman House. It won a Silver Addy Award for communications excellence via its creator, Formost Media. A new marketing strategy has elevated the perception of our Rental Program, changing people’s perceptions that the site is used for museum purposes only.
Make Your Own History SITE RENTAL INFORMATION
Collections Archival materials and object from 58 donors were added to the RCHS collection in 2014. Both large and small, everything from a Tallman family salt spoon to an aerial view of Evansville shows that history comes from every corner of Rock County. RCHS received rare Tallman family items from segments of the family in California and New York. They continue to tell the extended story of William Morrison Tallman’s grandchildren, Stanley and Charles, when they lived at residences at 426 & 430 N. Jackson Streets.
Archives After more than three years of planning, construction and dedication from supporters, the Charles Tallman Archives & Research Center has a new home. Opened in November, the Center will continue to grow as a recognized resource for genealogists, historians and the public as they discover their heritage by using a variety of valuable historical resources. Research services, photographic reproductions and house history capsules are just a few of the many ways in which the Center can use history as a tool for making the past a personal, intimidate experience.
Staff People are what drive great organizations. Without a passionate and dedicated staff, the mission of the Rock County Historical Society could not be fulfilled. Our Board of Directors thanks you for your steadfast commitment to better the communities of Rock County through the lessons of our past.
Michael Reuter Executive Director
Laurel Fant Curator/Collections Manager
Meghan Walker Marketing & Outreach Coordinator
Keighton Klos Campus Coordinator
Ruth Anderson Archives Manager
Nathan Fuller Educational Curator
LINCOLN TALLMAN DOCENTS
Without our docents, the rich history of the Lincoln-Tallman House could not be shared with hundreds of volunteers each year. Thank you for you for sharing its story! Judy Ainsworth Gilmore
Dan Herzig
Christina Hall
Samantha Gartner
Lynne Jacobsen
Emily Starck
426 N. Jackson Street PO Box 8096 • Janesville, WI 53545
www.rchs.us