Yay, Dunkerton!

Do Not Miss This Post! Watch and Learn!
This is one of those compelling posts graciously submitted by some hard working members of our CSAA community. If you are lamenting that your historical society is aging out, interest is waning, or you can't marshal community support, here is a story that will give you both encouragement and hope that you can "spark joy" for history once again. 

At the 2024 CSAA Annual Country School Conference held in Toledo, OH (June 9-12), three dedicated schoolhouse enthusiasts told the story of a small town group that started with virtually nothing to amass enough from fundraisers, donations, and grants to engineer a site for the creation of an entire historical village!                  

The dynamic ladies from Dunkerton, Iowa (population 821)  presented their program entitled: “VILLAGE PEOPLE - YMCA?” Representatives LuAnn Chapman, Teresa Stafford, and Julie Heiple of the Dunkerton Historical & Tourism Association,  shared the story of a local group's determination to spur an entire community into action. They explained in detail how a number of small town Iowa residents dreamed of moving a train depot, two school houses, and a chapel to build an educational village....and how they are succeeding!

Their presentation covered in depth how their  501(c)(3) was formed, explaining the make-up of the board, and how community leaders were lobbied. It addressed how local architects and construction firms were approached to obtain bids and buy in on the project. And, they answered the question many of us continue to face: How can we start a grass roots funding project that can bring in over $100,000 in one year, all while building our online museum catalog of artifacts and historic memorabilia (including items related to our one room schoolhouses).

They answered those questions while sharing their own undaunted success story! They offered ideas on grants, how to think outside the box for fund raising, and how you can use your local story to build support and achieve goals. 

How fortunate we are that the DHTA (Dunkerton Historical& Tourism Association) has kindly shared their presentation with readers of The Report Card.  The resources they created are donated right here for your benefit. This group has walked the walk and they have succeeded! Their side show presentation will prove to you that community support is not only possible, but inevitable, if you lay the groundwork and do not waver.

1. Attached you will find a timeline...Two Years: Dunkerton Historical & Tourism Association April 2022-April 2024. The PDF list highlights the activities that brought in the funding for the realization of their dream.  You will be astounded!!
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2. You will also be treated to the actual slide presentation of their progress via YouTube. Turn up the volume and be inspired!!!! Individual slides are also attached.

3. Thrilling to all of us, watch the bird's eye view videos created recently with drone footage featuring the DHTA's move of two historic schoolhouses  (Barclay #3 and Bennington/Gresham #1) to their property, the site of the future historic village. You are witness to the beginnings of this fascinating tourist attraction. Heartwarming!! 

4. You are also invited to attend  the  one-day Iowa Country School Conference: Saturday, October 12,2024 - 11:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. - at the Dunkerton Public Library. 203 East Tower Street, Dunkerton, IA 50626...or access more information at www.dunkertonhistory.com. More detailed conference information will be posted on their website and on this blog as soon as we receive it.

TIMELINE OF ACTIVITIES (PDF)

MOVING BARCLAY #3

PRESENTATION SLIDES

YOUTUBE PRESENTATION

MOVING BENNINGTON/GRESHAM #1