Politics & Government
Historical Society Aims for Self-Financing
Devastating cut in city funding has group pursuing revenue avenues to stay relevant in the community.
For the Des Plaines Historical Society, it's gut-check time in responding to adversity as it must do more with less--nearly $130,000 less from the city.
After a $126,000 funding cut, the historical society was forced to increase fees as well as reduce hours, staff and programs at its history center, 781 Pearson St. However, officials are developing strategies to remain a vibrant and integral part of the community.
"We'd like to be a little more self-supporting," said Elizabeth Makelim, the organization's vice president.
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The society has raised more than half of what it needs to be self-sufficient, she said. That means the group has steadily moved toward its goal of raising at least $176,000 for expenses.
Makelim said pursuing business sponsorships, signing up new members and seeking donations have helped to address budget issues. The difficulty arose when the City Council chopped what it gave the society annually from $166,000 to $40,000, according to a note at the organization's website.
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"It's very hard to make budget cuts," said Mayor Martin Moylan.
However, there was a silver lining in that the Des Plaines Park District increased its financial support from $73,200 to $87,600.
With less money overall, the historical society had to make changes. But thanks to more than 100 volunteers and private donations, some programs have remained intact.
"I think that the quality hasn't diminished," programs director Susan Golland said.
One of the most popular programs is "Coffee Talk," a monthly lecture series. The most recent speaker, costume historian Elizabeth Carlson, discussed her field and provided pointers to attendees over coffee and cookies.
"It's well attended," Golland said. "We usually have around 30 people on average, but it's gone up to 60."
Donations have kept the Coffee Talk program afloat, said Golland, noting they help with the $150 lecture payment.
But some offerings had to face the ax. To avoid canceling children's programs altogether, Golland said the organization shifted the emphasis. The change reduces the center's activities for students and home-schooled children.
"We provide an outlet of affordable entertainment," said Makelim of the 700 children who took advantage of the just ended summer program.
She said the turnouts show the history center and its activities remain relevant in providing residents with a sense of place.
"People do come to the history center to do research into their history," Makelim said. "They research their homes; their ancestry."