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Story County places $45,000 in next-year budget for local historical societies
Summary
During a Feb. 4 budget work session, Supervisor Lisa Heavens said $45,000 has been included in next year’s budget to be split among Story County historical societies; Slater Historical Society representatives thanked the county and outlined plans for expanded hours, youth outreach and national recognition.
Supervisor Lisa Heavens told a Story County budget work session on Feb. 4 that the county has placed $45,000 in next year’s budget for local historical societies.
The allocation, Heavens said, “we have $45,000 put into the budget for this next year,” and county staff noted the amount would be split evenly among the county’s historical societies. Evie, a representative of the Slater Historical Society, told the board the county’s support goes “more than just keep the lights on” and described recent increases in the museum’s reach and programming.
The funding drew thanks and a brief description of Slater museum activities. Evie said the Slater museum has attracted attention beyond Story County, recounting a 2022 flag contest in New Zealand and a recent Vietnam veterans exhibit. “We did we interviewed 30 different local veterans, created an, book that documented those interviews, and then displayed each of their stories,” Evie said, and added that the display was covered by the Vietnam Veterans Association and a veterans’ magazine. She said the museum’s goals include hiring a full-time employee to allow more open hours and recruiting younger volunteers; she also said Slater is “under consideration to become part of the Silos and Smokestacks national heritage site” with a decision expected this month.
County officials present — including Supervisor Latifo Bridal, Director of Internal Operations and HR Alyssa Wignall, Assistant Auditor Lisa Markley, Supervisor Linda Merkin and Director of External Operations and County Services Sandra King — thanked Evie and praised the museum work. Heavens and other supervisors expressed appreciation for the museum’s exhibits and for keeping local history accessible to residents and visitors.
The discussion did not record a formal vote on the line item during the portion of the work session in the transcript. County staff characterized the allocation as an item placed in the draft budget; counts of how many historical societies will share the money were not specified in the meeting record. The session included brief questions and expressions of appreciation before moving on to other budget matters.
