Historical Society seeks county support for America's 250th; committee forwards $20,000 request to HR Finance

Blake Opelwachowski, executive director of the Marathon County Historical Society, asked the Economic Development Committee for county support for programming tied to America's 250th anniversary in 2026. Opelwachowski presented three funding scenarios: a modest sponsorship/grant-reliant approach, a $20,000 “balanced” approach with rotating exhibits, school outreach and small public events, and a $60,000 “legacy” approach to fund a professional docuseries, traveling exhibits and multiple murals.

Opelwachowski said the $20,000 option would fund countywide digital storytelling, 1–2 murals, time-capsule activities, educational materials for schools (estimated outreach to 5–7 schools) and modest public events; the $60,000 option would expand that work substantially. He said the society will pursue local foundations and private sponsorships and that the county contribution would be one-time funding for 2026 programming.

Committee members expressed general support but raised budget concerns. Vice Chair Fryfrick said the middle option was appealing but warned the county budget is tight. Supervisor (unnamed in the record) moved to forward the scalable approach with a $20,000 contribution to HR Finance; Supervisor Hagan seconded. The committee voted in favor; the item will be reviewed by HR Finance and Property.

Opelwachowski said the society would use county funds to leverage additional private and foundation support: "If you give us 20,000, we'll fundraise an additional 20." He asked for decision flexibility with a November timeline; the society said that deadline would still permit effective planning.

The committee did not appropriate funds at this meeting; it forwarded the recommendation to HR Finance for identification of a funding source and further consideration by the county board.