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Geary County Historical Society urges restoration of county appropriation for 2026
Summary
Leaders and supporters of the Geary County Historical Society told commissioners the museum’s county appropriation has lagged behind inflation, arguing that reduced funding threatens operations, staff and preservation work and asking the commission to restore funding for 2026.
Geary County Historical Society leaders and community supporters urged the county commission on Wednesday to restore the society’s appropriation to a sustainable level for 2026, saying past cuts have eroded the museum’s buying power and forced staff reductions.
The Society’s executive director and curator, Heather Hagedorn, told commissioners that in 2016 the county appropriation was $121,000 and that, accounting for inflation, “in 2025 that amount would be $164,000.” Hagedorn said the museum has absorbed cuts in recent years, reduced staff and nonetheless expanded programs, but that the current funding level is “unsustainable without the increased funding that the county has promised to return to us.”
Why it matters: museum staff and volunteers told commissioners the museum acts as a local cultural and economic asset, supporting genealogy research, school programming and heritage tourism. Speakers said visitors and grant awards have increased while county support has fallen, which they say makes it harder to maintain facilities and staff necessary to preserve archival materials and run programs.
Supporters read a string of letters from residents and partner organizations praising the museum’s educational programming and its role in attracting visitors. Melanie Laster, identified as project director of the Black History Trail at Geary County, described the museum’s partnership on that trail. Several former county officials and long-time residents gave examples of the museum’s use for genealogy and education.
Commissioner and staff discussion: commissioners and county finance staff acknowledged competing budget demands countywide and asked how the museum is using other revenue sources, including grants and donations. Hagedorn and Kim Neptune, the society’s director of programs and education, said grant money funds specific projects and events but does not cover basic operating costs such as utilities and staff payroll.
The Historical Society requested that the commission “consider restoring some of the funds lost over the last few years to allow the museum to continue offering quality programs,” according to the materials provided at the meeting.
What wasn’t decided: commissioners did not make a funding decision during the meeting. They accepted the Society’s presentation and requested documentation of the museum’s operating budget and a breakdown of how county funds would be used in 2026.
Community context and next steps: supporters said restoration of the appropriation would help maintain four historic sites the society cares for and support educational outreach to children. The commission asked staff to include the museum’s request in upcoming budget deliberations and to circulate the Society’s detailed budget to commissioners before final appropriation decisions.
Ending: The Historical Society representatives left commissioners copies of resident letters and requested timely consideration during the county’s budget review.
