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It was a moment for the history books Monday night when members of the Rock County Historical Society Board put a flame to the History Center mortgage.
“I loved it,” said President Betty Mann, 90, who has been pushing for the past 20 years to find a respectable, adequate and accessible space to tell Rock County’s story. “We were all so excited.”
When the Rock County Museum moved in 2016 from the Masonic Lodge building into the remodeled 100-year-old Ford building on Main Street, it was a dream come true for Mann.
“I didn’t think I’d ever see the end of this,” she said about paying off the Historical Society’s $400,000 loan that helped with the $1.1 million construction project.
According to treasurer Greg Burger, the Historical Society borrowed $150,000 to facilitate the $165,000 purchase of the Herman Motor building and property.
This was paid off early with large donations, but another $450,000 was borrowed to complete building renovations and an unexpected roof repair.
Burger marveled at the community generosity in supporting the History Center with the $1 million fundraiser.
“The important thing is that the people of Rock County who pledged to support this honored all their pledges,” he said, adding that seven to 10 percent of typical five-year pledges don’t follow through.
This, along with several sizable outright donations from the city and county, KAHR Foundation and Mann herself allowed the board to pay off the mortgage a year early.
“I want everyone to know how appreciative we are of the people who supported us with donations, both big and small,” Mann said. “I never thought we would do this in such a short time. We appreciate every penny. It really did add up.”
Mann said it’s a relief to no longer have mortgage payments, which will free up some revenue for day-to-day operations.
A handful of devoted volunteers help with displays and routine building maintenance, but to make the most of the community asset, Mann said increased staffing is necessary.
“We’re hoping to soon hire a full-time manager,” Mann said.
Burger said the success of the History Center and its financial stability is a testament to the people in the community.
“We owe a great debt of gratitude to the citizens of Rock County for honoring their pledges and investing in the history of Rock County,” he said.
Current hours at the History Center are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with masks, with pandemic precautions in place and masks and gloves available. The phone number is 507-283-2122.