Why Donate?

The Waterloo Area Historical Society is a volunteer run organization. From the shopkeepers to the bookkeepers, the historical actors, and the board members, we're all volunteers. The only paid position at the farm are the Tour Docents. Because of this our administrative expenese are very low and every dollar donated can be used to maximum effect. The membership dues, entry fees, concesion receipts, and gift shop income all combine to just about cover expenses. The main expenses are utilities and insurance with lots of much smaller expenses. This leaves basically nothing for upkeep and improvements. We've been funding upkeep and improvements with donations and to continue this and make the farm and school better we need more!

Here are some of the projects we need funds to do:

Expand the gift shop and improve the weather resistance of the building
Replace the roof of the Hannewald barn, straighten the walls and insulate it
Build a visitor center with flush toilets!
Fix the siding on the Realy barn and other structural issues which it has
Continue to improve the drainage of the property so that water drains away from the buildings, not towards them
Update electricity service to some of the buildings
Add a second furnace to the house to help with heating upstairs in the winter
Replace the west side porch on the house

These are just some of the larger projects which we're looking at. There are smaller projects to numerous to mention.

Here are some of the projects completed in 2010 with donations:

New rear porch on the house - lots of rot on the woodshed was found and fixed as well
A concrete basement floor - there actually was a concrete floor in some sections covered by dirt
Fixed the rotted joists under the bay window section of the living room
New exterior basement steps and cover
Rework some of the drainage on the south side of the house to slope towards the swamps
Updated lighting in the gift shop
Updated some electricity
and various other small projects

Your help will make all this happen.

Premium Items

With your donation of $50 or more you are able to select from the following premium items. You will be mailed a certificate which can be redeemed at the Farm giftshop for the appropriate item.

		Waterloo Bean Soup Receive a certificate for one quart of our famous Waterloo Bean Soup mix. You will also receive certificates for 1/2 pound of each of our coffee blends. (Contribute at least $ 100.00 to be eligible for this gift.)
		Catherine's Cherry Cordial Coffee Receive a certificate for 1/2lb of premium gourmet roasted whole bean coffee. Catherine's Cherry Cordial has the taste of dark chocolate covered cherries. A delicious way to start your day. (Contribute at least $ 50.00 to be eligible for this gift.)
		Sophie's Harvest Spice Coffee Receive a certificate for 1/2 lb of premium gourmet roasted whole bean coffee. Sophie's Harvest Spice has a taste of cinnamon, spices, nuts, and a touch of orange zest. A delicious way to start your day. (Contribute at least $ 50.00 to be eligible for this gift.)
No thank you