Director of the Carroll County Historical Society, Barbara Hackfort, met with the Carroll County Supervisors to provide them an overview of the past year and a preview of a few items she would like to address in the next fiscal year as the board gathers information to develop budgets for 2016/17. As something new this year, they have begun holding meetings in other communities. So far, they have met in Ralston and have been invited to Lanesboro.
Hackfort said that the barn at Swan Lake has been highly successful this year, hosting a Civil War reenactment and an open house. She is currently working with volunteer groups to expand on the open house and have all four locations open at the same time next season. They were also able to showcase a piece of Carroll County history at the last Harvest Party.
She added her goal was to keep the Heider restoration project under $1,000 and that was made possible through the donation of labor from the Old Iron Club. Hackfort told the Supervisors that the tractor still has its issues, but then again, it is 100 years old. The most recent project, a 25 month calendar has seen good sales, and the costs have been supported by a grant and funds raised through a tip night at the Carroll Pizza Ranch. For the upcoming year, Hackfort says the society has set a goal of improving membership by adjusting levels and providing incentives. She would also like to pursue the idea of having a Des Moines Area Community College 2+2 student teacher hold some classes at the country school. The Supervisors discussed comments from the public about handicap accessibility, but Hackfort said there are several obstacles to making those changes. First, the building is on the National Historic Registry and permission would be required for any changes. She added that renovation may be allowed since there was a door on the north side of the building at one time, but the projected cost of that change over four years ago was daunting at $100,000. Hackfort also said that even if that were done, the space inside is limited and moving a wheelchair through the museum would be extremely difficult. The board thanked Hackfort for her work and the updates and will use the information provided as they build the 2016/17 budget.
