The Preston Historical Society (PHS) plans to repurpose the existing Dairy & Farm building into a Depot Museum and meeting space that will serve the community in many different ways. The museum and storage 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 work space for PHS and its committees. Also included in the building plans are ADA restrooms, a covered patio, an uncovered 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. During our first phase of fundraising as part of our agreement with the City of Preston, we need to raise $200,000 in order to begin reconstruction at the existing building. We will need an additional $200,000 to see the project through construction. The Preston Historical Society and members of the fundraising committee have already contributed approximately $100,000. We still need an additional $300,000 to complete the building. Additional funds will be needed for the interior furnishing and displays. The Christianson Family Fund will match any donations with $.50/$1.00 when the next $100,000 has been raised and then an additional $.50/$1.00 for the following $100,000.
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 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. As we move forward with fundraising, additional giving opportunities will be available, such as engraved pavers for the covered patio. Project updates and giving opportunities will be shared on this page.
Questions? Reach out to any of our Finance Committee Members!
Co-Chair
Sheila Craig
smeercraig@gmail.com
Co-Chair
Barb Mielke
barbamielke@gmail.com
Secretary
Lexi Pierce
aglenzinski@yahoo.com
Donation Record-Keeper
Chuck Aug/F&M Community Bank
charlesaug23@gmail.com
Members
Jon DeVries – jonbdevries@gmail.com
Ilene Edwards – ilene6006@gmail.com
Steve Hall – smhpl67@yahoo.com
Kerry Soiney – ksoiney@hotmail.com
Charlie Sparks – charlessparks@mediacombb.net
Alison Leathers – alliebunge@hotmail.com
