Osage County Cultural Heritage Center

Need

The Osage County Historical Society has a mission to find and preserve the history of the county. The society has a large and remarkable collection of historical documents including civil, legal and genealogical records. There are literally thousands of documents, some over 150 years old. The historical society simply does not have room to house these important records. More items are added each month.

The archives of the historical society contain not only documents and records, but also images… images that illustrate the richness of the history and heritage of Osage County. Many of these records are now housed in various locations in the county. All of these sites lack humidity and temperature controls. There is a very real danger that these records will be lost forever. That would be very sad. Who can place a value of finding cemetery records indicating the location of an ancestor’s grave in a quiet country churchyard or finding a picture of an attractive young lady who was your grandmother.

OSAGE COUNTY CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER

Our proposed building would be placed on land immediately south of the Zewicki House Museum in Linn. The 5,700 square foot structure has a barn like exterior in keeping with the national historic register designation of the Zewicki house as an urban farmstead. It was very common for homeowners in the late 1800’s to have barns, chicken houses and other out buildings, even though they were located within city limits.

The Osage County Cultural Heritage Center will assure safe, humidity controlled, permanent storage of the society’s extensive collection of historical documents and photographs. The center will also provide access and a much needed work space for the volunteer staff. Those persons who travel to Osage County to do genealogical research will certainly appreciate the facility. These researchers bring much needed revenue and expand the membership of the Osage County Historical Society.

The Cultural Heritage Center, located in the county seat, will be a source of pride for all Osage county residents. The volunteer staff and Board of Directors have been deeply involved in the planning of this much needed facility.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

We are now deep in the midst of a five year capital campaign to raise $400,000 to construct the OSAGE COUNTY CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER. At this point the society has raised approximately $220,000 in cash and pledges. It is clear that people do understand the urgent need to protect the history and culture of Osage County. The first half of the campaign has been marked by many positive events including:

The society has received support from over 160 individual donors.
The society has received funds from the estate of an individual who simply loved Osage County.
The society has received the gift of securities from an individual who wished to remember his wife who was a native of Osage County.
The society has received notice that certain interior furnishings will be built and donated to the building by Osage County craftsmen.
The society has received a pledge from a member to handcraft the entry doors to the OSAGE COUNTY CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER, complete with hand forged strap hinges.

Over 35 individuals have already expressed interest in purchasing an engraved brick in the Heritage Plaza next to the new facility. Many more people are expected to purchase memorial bricks prior to the end of the campaign. In addition to the positive events above, the Osage County Historical Society has expressed interest in several exciting features of the OSAGE COUNTY CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER. Although the major purpose of the building is to provide a permanent and safe home for the society’s collections of documents, records, photographs and genealogical materials, the building will have several other attractive uses.

The building could serve as a site for traveling art and historical displays sponsored by the Smithsonian Museum. The program called Museum on Main street (MOMS) is free to those communities that have appropriate sites for the displays.
The proposed building will be an ultra energy efficient building utilizing a combination of high value insulation, zoned heart pump heating and cooling, programmable thermostats and the use of recycled materials. The building could qualify for certification as a ‘green’ building. This designation whould not only be good for the environment, but will also significantly reduce operating costs.
The OCHS Board has also expressed an interest in zeroscaping. Zeroscaping is the utilization of plants, grasses, trees and shrubs that are native to Missouri and Osage County. The use of native only materials reduces and in many cases, eliminates the need for yard maintenance.

These are, indeed, exciting concepts. The OSAGE COUNTY CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER will be an important and striking addition to Osage County… this special place… but only with your continued support.

How you can help!

Please consider joining the HERITAGE SOCIETY.
Renew your membership. Consider becoming a supporting member or making a little extra 'gift'.
Invite your family and friends to become members of The Osage County Historical Society.
Give a memorial donation (any amount accepted) in honor of your Osage County ancestor.
Volunteer at your Osage County Historical Society.