Committee approves $60,000 for St. Charles History Museum

The Government Operations Committee voted to award $60,000 to the St. Charles History Museum following a presentation on the museum’s 2024 programs and a brief question-and-answer session.

The museum’s executive director, Alex (Executive Director, St. Charles History Museum), told the committee the museum’s mission is “to collect, preserve and present the history of St. Charles,” and reviewed last year’s exhibits, volunteer activity and fundraising. Alex said the museum’s revenue rose in 2024 but that expenses exceeded revenue because two galas were charged in the same fiscal year; he said that timing anomaly will not repeat.

The request was presented as part of the city’s annual outside-organization funding process. The museum asked the committee to approve the same $60,000 allocation the city provided in 2024; Alex described city funding as “about one third” of the museum’s revenue and said the money supports staffing, outreach and marketing.

Committee members praised the museum’s volunteer work and revenue gains and asked for additional budget detail. Folkes (committee member) asked for a line-item budget, and Alex said the museum would provide a detailed breakdown. During follow-up questions, the museum identified payroll (executive director and two hourly staff) as its main expense, followed by utilities, acquisitions and event costs.

Motion by Werball, seconded by Petrillo, to award $60,000 to the St. Charles History Museum carried by voice vote. The committee did not record individual yes/no votes on the audio transcript; the motion passed.

The museum said it plans exhibits in 2025 showing local historic art and an exhibit on the indigenous peoples of the area, expanded riverboat and walking tours, and a March initiative to increase community outreach. The funding will support continued staffing and marketing to expand those programs.

The committee moved on to other agenda items after the vote.