The Preston Historical Society (PHS) is repurposing the former Dairy & Farm building located near the Preston Trailhead into the Preston Depot Museum and Riverfront Center (DMRC). The museum and event space will proudly display and preserve Preston’s historical artifacts, creating a draw for locals and tourists alike. The Agents Office, in the Depot Museum, will serve as the meeting and workspace for PHS and its committees. Also included in the building plans are a rentable event space, ADA restrooms, a covered patio, and green space suitable for hosting outdoor events.
PHS and its members have spent three years preparing for this project. PHS was awarded two grants totaling $20,000 from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF). In order to match these grants, PHS obtained additional grants, provided contributions from their funds, and garnered countless volunteer hours in planning and organizing that altogether totaled over $30,000 in consulting and design work, three years of committee discussion, and thousands of volunteer hours.
The estimated total project cost is $400,000, excluding the additional cost of furnishings and displays. The City of Preston is leasing the space to PHS at no cost. From July 2024-December 2024, we were able to raise $400,000, thanks to our generous community, the Christianson Family Fund, and numerous grant funding. Additional funds will be needed for the interior furnishing and displays.
Our brick fundraising efforts continue. If you would like to purchase a customizable engraved brick, you can pick up order forms at F&M Community Bank in Preston or other Preston businesses. Put your order in for permanent advertising, memorializing a loved one, or honoring someone special! Orders received by July 31, 2025 will be set in the patio for our grand opening!
- 4” x 8” brick – $100
- 8” x 8” brick – $200
You can still contribute funds to our efforts. The following donor levels will have their contributions recognized on custom displays on the interior and exterior of the building.
DONOR LEVELS
Trainmaster – $10,000
Depot Agent – $7,500
Conductor – $5,000
Engineer – $2,500
Yardmaster – $1,000
All contributions are tax deductible due to Preston Historical Society’s 501(c)3 Status. Once a donation or brick order is received, a donor receipt will be mailed out. Our donor form is at the bottom of this page.
- Checks should be made out to Preston Historical Society with DMRC in the memo line, and can be mailed to: F&M Community Bank, Attn: DMRC, PO Box 467, Preston, MN 55965
Any dollar amount will help make the Depot Museum & Riverfront Center a reality. Project updates and giving opportunities will be shared on this page.
Questions? Reach out to any of our Finance Committee Members.
Chair
Alison Leathers: alisonbleathers@gmail.com
Members
Sheila Craig: smeercraig@gmail.com
Barb Mielke: barbamielke@gmail.com
Jon DeVries: jonbdevries@gmail.com
Ilene Edwards: ilene6006@gmail.com
Steve Hall: smhpl67@yahoo.com
