The furnaces and air conditioners that heat and cool this historic structure are failing. To continue protecting our collections and serving our visitors, we must raise funds to replace the HVAC system.
The Burnett County Historical Society is proud of its fiscal responsibility. Through our various events, tours, and other fundraising efforts, we successfully cover our yearly operating expenses. However, while we work hard to maintain a balanced budget, we do not have the specialized reserves necessary for a capital project of this magnitude. With an estimated cost of $48,000, this replacement is an extraordinary expense that falls outside our regular maintenance budget.
Why this project is urgent:
· Protecting Artifacts: The Visitors Center’s Museum houses irreplaceable archaeological finds from the XY and North West Fur Companies, as well as delicate Native American artifacts. Stable climate control is essential to prevent these items from deteriorating.
· A Community Hub: Our Great Room and commercial kitchen host everything from weddings to educational workshops and fun events such as Christmas at the Forts. Without reliable heat, we cannot remain a year-round resource for the public.
· Preserving the "Lodge": The log construction that our volunteers worked so hard to move and rebuild requires consistent temperatures to prevent warping and damage to the structure itself.
How You Can Help: The Burnett County Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) and relies on the generosity of neighbors like you.
Your tax-deductible gift will go directly toward the purchase and installation of high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioning units. Whether you can give $50, $250, or $1,000, every dollar ensures that the legacy of the Snowbank Lodge and the history of Burnett County remains safe for the next generation.
Your gift will be matched one to one through matching grants offered by members of the BCHS board, our local Lions Club, Earth Energies and a very generous anonymous donor, up to $15,000.
As an additional thank you, every donation of $100 or more will come with an Individual Membership to the Burnett County Historical Society. A donation of $200 or more will come with a Family Membership. We will send you a form to fill out and return to us for your membership.
Please consider making a donation today by mailing or dropping off a check or by going to this link for a credit card payment through our card processing vendor, Square.
Thank you for being a part of our history and for your continued support of Forts Folle Avoine and the Burnett County Historical Society. We look forward to seeing you this spring and summer at our events!
With gratitude,
Burnett County Historical Society
