Proctor Historical Society warns Hoggett museum could close without new volunteers

Jim Schwartzbauer, representing the Proctor Historical Society and Proctor Museum, told the school board during public comment that the society is struggling to find volunteers and financial support to keep the Hoggett museum open.

"If something does not happen before the end of this year, Hoggett is in jeopardy of not occurring," Schwartzbauer said, urging residents and community partners to step forward. He said the society’s membership is aging and that a recent outreach campaign produced few new volunteers.

Schwartzbauer told the board he and fellow volunteers previously briefed the city council on the museum’s finances, and that carryover funds had increased since that meeting. He said the society plans a membership and volunteer outreach letter and will meet with district leadership to discuss possible partnerships. "We're hoping, guardedly optimistic, that within this community people will step up," he said.

Board members thanked Schwartzbauer for the update and the chair noted the superintendent and Mr. Schwartzbauer would meet to discuss next steps.

Why it matters: The Proctor Historical Society operates community heritage services and artifacts that board members and residents said have educational value for students and the wider community. If the society cannot secure volunteers or alternative management, Schwartzbauer said the group could dissolve and the city might assume or take custody of the building — an outcome he described as the worst-case scenario.

What’s next: Schwartzbauer said he will leave materials with the board and will attend an upcoming city council meeting to seek additional support. The board did not take formal action at the meeting but acknowledged the need for follow-up between district staff and the historical society.

(Attribution: quote and claims come from Jim Schwartzbauer, who identified himself at the public-comment podium.)