2 0 1 6 Annual Report
Current StaffJoanie AlbersRichard BarchengerEric CheeverJohn DeckerHeidi HellerGena HiemenzElsie JohnsonAnn MelineJulianne O’ConnellNick O’HaraSteve PenickRod RungeJessica Storlien
Garden campers learned the finer points of growing food just as families have done for 167 years in Stearns County.
Mission: The Stearns History Museum connects people to the power of history and culture by collecting, preserving, and interpreting our historical and cultural resources.
Vision: The Stearns History Museum will be a place where citizens of Central Minnesota can honor their diverse history and recognize that the past is what built the present and is a road map to the future.
Board Of Directors
2017 Board of DirectorsJon McGee, chairmanTom Mathews, vice chairPat Webber, secretaryPhilip Terry, treasurer Annette Atkins John Bodette Barbara CarlsonDorraine Larison Elizabeth Reisinger George Rindelaub Bruce Skalbeck Dan Tideman
Ex-OfficioJeff Mergen, District 3, Stearns County Commissioner Ann Meline
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Like so much of Western language, the word “history” comes from the Greek term “historia” meaning learning or knowing by inquiry, or finding out. At its root, history is about discovery and story, and the teller of the story is at least as important as the event, episode, or object. History reflects who told the story and the choices they made in telling it.
The Stearns History Museum is a wonderful place to discover a story: stories of people, families, communities, and events. We at the Museum are the keepers and tellers of stories of inspiration, reflection, and sometimes despair. Our Museum tells thousands of stories of our community and our lives. And for that reason, it is important not just as a repository of what was, but a as place of understanding of what could be.
The Stearns History Museum displays many wonderful artifacts in its permanent collection, ranging from the locally famous (like the Pan car), to the personal (like the clothes included in the recent 1970s exhibit), to the fascinating and unusual (like the two-headed pig). Through its exhibits, programs, and Research Center, the Museum tells how we settled here, how we lived, and how we and our communities have changed over the last hundred-plus years.
As our communities change, so too does the Museum. New residents to the county bring new stories and create new history. We welcome all who call Stearns County home to preserve their stories at the Museum. It is essential that we record those accounts and share them with future generations. They symbolize the rich fabric of this place we call home. Our collective narrative and experiences help us to understand who we have been, who we are, and who we are becoming.
The Stearns History Museum is a remarkable resource. Its collection, programming, and a Research Center are unique among country museums in Minnesota. Our Museum is among the premier county museums not just in the state, but in the country, and one of the very few accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. We will continue to change and grow. Our place in the community and state is in large measure due to the generous financial contributions of friends of the Museum and the extraordinary support provided by Stearns County. We deeply appreciate all you have done and continue to do for the Museum. Looking forward, we hope you will continue to invest in the Museum’s future to ensure it remains a cultural centerpiece, preserving and telling our ever-changing stories!
Finally, I want to offer a special thank you to Jim Davis, who retired as our director in July. Over many years, Jim and his wife, Jan, served as patrons, friends, and leaders of the Museum. The Museum and the community have benefited from their generous contribution of time, talent, and treasure. We owe them a debt of gratitude.
See you at the Museum!
Jon McGeeChair, Board of Directors
Friends of The Stearns History Museum
Minnesota Public Television’s Kathy Wurzer, speaker at the 2016 Annual History Maker Gala; Zapp
Historian Award recipient Keith Maurer, and SHM board member Dr. Annette Atkins.
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Exhibits & Collections
2016 AudienceAudience Served 96,103(Social media, off-site programs, research requests)
On-site Visitors 17,799School Tours (# of Students) 1,491Volunteer Hours 1,855
Objects on loan from the St. Stephen community for the exhibit, “Farmers, Miners & Refugees:
Slovenian Immigration to Minnesota since 1855.”
The Bernick’s Companies celebrated 100 years of operating a family-owned business with an exhibit that showcased the company and family history. Spearheaded by family and business archivist Ruth Larson and Jason Bernick, director of corporate affairs, the exhibit reminded visitors that many of today’s businesses have been around for generations. (See photo on back cover.)
Healthyville, a traveling exhibit from Stepping Stones Museum for Children, invited young people to “ride and row with a skeleton, discover Go, Slo, and Whoa foods, touch boogers inside a giant nose, and exercise your heart. This hands-on children’s exhibit reminded adults and children the importance of healthy living. It also gave staff and volunteers the opportunity to talk about the importance Stearns County farms play in healthy eating for families in Minnesota and the U.S.
The year closed with the exhibit “Farmers, Miners and Refugees: Slovenian Immigration from Minnesota Since 1855.” This exhibit was generated by a group of dedicated residents of Slovenian ancestry to celebrate their heritage. They produced a series of panels telling the story of the Slovenian community in Stearns County. A plethora of precious family heirlooms were loaned to the Museum for the exhibit. The Slovenian Consulate General also attended the opening festivities.
Social media expanded the Museum’s reach through weekly stories. A Facebook post on the Last Man’s Club resulted in this response, “Stellar bit of local history . . . thanks for sharing!”
Healthyville, a traveling exhibit from the Stepping Stone Museum for Children, entertained, inspired, and taught families the lessons of healthy living thorough diet and
exercise. Major Sponsor: CentraCare Health.
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Children’s programs were a plenty in 2016. The garden camp, in partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension Service, taught participants the concept of subsistence farming. Campers grew food that could provide meals for themselves and their families. Along the way, they learned about healthy eating. Schools toured the museum to gain a better understanding of Central Minnesota history. And, families explored the exhibits at Halloween Historia and Kringlefest.
Adult programs included the ever-popular Breakfast Club and the annual bus tour. This year the bus tour headed down Interstate 94 to look at memorable yet less notorious sites. Memory Writers continue to meet twice a month to share their writing skills and stories. A group of St. Cloud quilters worked with curator Adam Smith on a quilt conservation project. The annual gala’s featured speaker was MPR personality Kathy Wurzer. At the event, Ed Zapp presented the Zapp Historian Award to retired County Commissioner Keith Maurer and posthumously to Commission Robert Gambrino, who were instrumental in initiating county support for the Museum.
Bug Identification Day for Garden Campers.
SHM presented the documentary film “Minnesota 13: From Grain to Glass” at the historic Paramount Theatre in St. Cloud to
two sellout crowds.
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Programs
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Research Center and ArchivesThroughout 2016, the Research Center served the needs of its varied clientele from patrons looking into their family’s past to investigative reporters researching for news agencies. This was an exciting time as we served the public while building meaningful partnerships and friends.
Genealogists continue to be the core group of library users. Many expressed their appreciation for what they uncovered. Stacey Greeley commented, “Thank you again, SO MUCH, for all the help you gave me last week! It was an extremely productive research time ...” Jayne Givson Valnes shared, “Thank you much for all that you are doing, history is important in so many ways.” These remarks certainly reflect the vision of those that established the Research Center in 1984.
The Research Center’s service area goes well beyond its physical location. The Travel Channel studied Sauk Centre’s haunted Palmer House. WCCO and American Public Media explored law enforcement’s handling of the Jacob Wetterling kidnapping. American Public Media’s podcast on the subject, “In the Dark,” won the Peabody Award for producer Samara Freemark.”
University students explore the primary resources available in the Research Center.
Crowd gathers for the showing of “Minnesota 13: From Grain to Glass”. This film, as well as Elaine Davis’ book “Minnesota 13:
Stearns County’s Wet and Wild Prohibition Days,” was researched at the Museum’s Research Center. Thousands of stories are scattered among the rows
of file cabinets just waiting to be told.
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For the Year ending December 31, 2016CURRENT ASSETSCash and cash equivalentsRestricted cashInventoryOther assets Total current assets
NONCURRENT ASSETSInventmentsNet property an equipment Total noncurrent assets
TOTAL ASSETS
REVENUE AND SUPPORT County Appropriations Grant revenues Program income Donations Net investment income (loss) Donated services, materials, and equipmentMembershipsAdmissionsMuseum store salesSpecial eventsMiscellaneous revenuesTotal
EXPENSESEducational servicesMuseum exhibitions and collectionsArchival and research servicesMuseum operationsTotal program servicesManagement and generalFundraising Total support services
TOTAL EXPENSES
CHANGE IN UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETSCHANGE IN TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETSCHANGE IN TOTAL NET ASSETSNET ASSETS -Beginning of yearNET ASSETS - End of year
$690,000
55,09625,28983,61724,861
255,30554,76326,77212,70696,72317,583
1,342,715
187,795325,994328,604196,033
1,038,426109,796
92,343202,139
1,240,565
116,193
(14,043)102,150
1,047,2011,149,351
$146,43041,966
-6,910
195,306
336,411948,198
1,284,609
1,479,915
CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued expenses Deferred revenue Total current liabilities
NET ASSETS Unrestricted - undesignated Unrestricted - designated Temporarily restricted Total net assetsTOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
$308,36422,200
330,564
(135,258)1,284,609
1,149,3511,479,915
Financial Summary
In the summer of 2017, the certified public accounting firm of Miller, Welle, Heiser & Co., LTD conducted an audit of the Stearns History Museum’s 2016 financial records. The Museum received an unqualified opinion, which states that the statements are presented in a fair and unbiased manner. The complete 2016 audit report is available upon request at the Stearns History Museum. The 990 tax statement is available at stearns-museum.org.
Income
Expenses
Donors
Richard & Karen Ahles
Tom & Sally Allen
Johannes Allert
Alexander Ames
Joan Anastasi
Sandy Anderson
Anderson Trucking Service
Anton’s of St. Cloud
Florine Armstrong
Annette Atkins & Tom Joyce
Angelina Ausban & Kevin Smith
Automotive Parts Headquarters
Rolland & Margaret Aydt
Joe Bayer
Bayer Built Woodworks
Joseph & Joanne Bechtold
Paul Bell
Robert & Karen Bellmont
Benton Telecommunications Foundation
Herbert & Lynne Benz
Ken & Marilyn Bergmann
Bernick’s Companies
Dick & Lila Bernick
Kathleen Bernick
Roy Bernick
Jason Bernick
Jan Beste
Dick & Mimi Bitzan Family Fund
Gene & Mary Margaret Bjorklun
Barbara Bloomer
James & Suzanne Brick
Harold & Marilyn Brinkman
Elizabeth Brunsvold
Ruth Ann Bueckers
Claude Buettner & Carol Kissner
Ralph & Lori Buettner
Barbara & Jerry Carlson
Tom & Shelly Carlson
Don & Arlene Casey
CentraCare Health
Jane Ceynar
Alton Chermak
Tim Chirhart & Jeanne Soleim
Julie Coborn
Commercial Contractors
D.J. Bitzan Jewelers Inc.
Robert Danaher
Patrick Daniel
Jim & Jan Davis
John & Jan Decker
Heritage Park is the perfect setting for the Museum’s family activities.
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Donors
Dr. Richard & Geraldine Dendinger
Neil Franz & Jean Didier
Janet Dolan
Jim & Berni Doll
Judy Dorn
Richard Dorn
Dorothy C. Becker Foundation
Virg Egerman
Mary Eilers
Barry Elert & Linda Sand
Ken & Clare Elchert
Art Faber
Falcon National Bank
Robert Faust
Bernard Ferche
Rosanne Fischer & Mark Trainor
Charles & Elizabeth Hayden Flinn
Mary Thiele Fobian
Prentiss & Joyce Foster
Irene Frank
Friesz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Catherine Gadbois
Angelo Gambrino
Ann Gambrino
John Gambrino
Ruth Gambrino
Thomas & Janet Gambrino
Thomas L. Gambrino
Gartner Refrigeration
Gary Gillitzer
Betsy Glade
GLT Architects
GNP Company
Charles Goebel
Dennis & Barbara Gregory Family Fund
Judith Grooters
Joan Groth
Janet Grothjan
Joyce Hansen
Ronald & Michelle Hanson
Lyle G. Heaton
Dorothy Hebert
Don Helgeson & Sue Shepard
Michael & Karel Helgeson
Peter Hendricks
Patrick Henry
Wendy Hess
Amy Hill
Lori Hoff
Ken & Linda Holmen
Patricia and George Hontos
Kevin & Joanne Hughes
Beulah Rose Hutchens
Wim Ibes
Lorraine Inderrieden
Family programs entertain as well as educate. These events introduce history
through exploration and fun.
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Richard Iten
Dwight & Audrey Jaeger
Janet F Jansen
Mavis Jante
Greg Jendro
Eugene & Ardis Jensen
Bob & Judy Johnson
Clifford & Betty Johnson
Ken & Diane Jones
Julie Joplin
Maureen Jovanovich
Daniel Hollenhorst & Juliana Elchert
Brian Jungles
Roger & Mary Justin
Patricia K’Burg
Dolores Kantor
Mark & Joni Karl
Pauline Keinath
LuBell Kendall
Don & Mary Anne Kieser
Roger A. & Darlene C. Klein Fund
Donald & Janet Klug
Knevel Family Fund
Jim & Janet Knoblach
Beulah Mae Koch
Henry & Victoria Kohorst
Dennis Konz
Jim & Linda Kotschevar
Michael & Julie Kulzer
Laraway Financial Advisors
James & Ruth Larson
Marjorie LaTour
Jean Leighton
John & Arlene Leisen
Jerry & Mary Lou Lenz
Stan Lewis
John & Mary Linnemann
Geraldine Lommel
Jerome & Carol Loomis
Mary Ludowese
Whitney & Betty MacMillan
John Mahowald & Donna Kuhl
John & MaryAnne Mahowald
Mahowald Insurance Agency
John G Marek
Gary & Jane Marsden
Mathew Hall Lumber Fund
Tom & Mary Mathews
Dr. David & Kathrine Matthew
Bill Maurer
Keith Maurer
Keith Maurer Jr.
Mike Maurer
Mary Maurer Eilers
Jerry & Maureen McCarter
Peter McDowall
McDowall Company
Carol McEvoy
Jon & Ann McGee Charitable Fund
McGough Construction Co. Inc.
Dave and Lu Meemken
Cathy & David Mehelich
Michael Meirick
Ann Meline
The Century Farm Program celebrated its 40th year with more than 450 designated
Century Farms in Stearns County.
Donors
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Melrose Lions Club
Jeff & Nellie Mergen
Eugene & Norma Meyer
Franklin Meyer
Miller Auto & Marine
Miller, Welle, Heiser & Co., Ltd.
Minser Chiropractic Clinic
Patrick & Jane Mitchell
Edward Moeller
Raymond Monsour
Monumental Sales Inc.
Michael Moran
Bill & Judy Morgan
Katherine Mrozek
Paula Muggli
Mumm & Kron Family Dentistry
Liz Murphy
Mary Ann Neidermeier
David Neumann
Steve & Jan Notch
Robert & Marilyn Obermiller
Virginia Orth
Glen Palm & Jane Ellison
Greg & Joyce Pappenfus
Daniel Pearson
John & Linda Peck
Jim & Beverly Pehler
Steven & Carmen Penick
Jon & Laurie Perry
Kal Perry
Bela Petheo
Lee & Kristine Pflepsen
Lloyd Poepping
Joyce Pohl
Prairie Potato Company
Marguerite Pramann
Beverly Proulx
Proviant Group
Regional Diagnostic Radiology
Greg & Janet Reigstad
Mary Ann Reischl
Richard & Jane Remiarz
Karen Rieck
George & Mary Ann Rindelaub
Frank & Rosemary Roehl
Jacqueline Rogan
Michael & Peggy Roske
Autumn Ross
Terry Rothstein
Larry & Verdell Rudolph
Richard & Diane Ruegemer
Connie Ruhr
Marilyn Rybinski
Emma Sacco
Gerald & Donna Sales
Vernon Salzl
Ralph & Carole Sauer
Guy & Terry Schafer
Bryon & Lynn Schiffler
Don & Patti Schiffler
Jim & Carrie Schiffler
Loren & Bonnie Schill
Bernie Schloemer
Alice Schneider
Ralph & Barb Searles
Don Sieger
Sinclair Lewis Foundation
Sisters of Saint Benedict
Halloween Historia attendees choose a prize for completing the Halloween Hunt through the exhibit gallery.
Donors
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Lois Sjobeck
Bruce & Cheryl Skalbeck
Sharon Smith
Soleim Chirhart Fund
SPOT Rehabilitation
St. Benedict’s Monastery Library
St. Cloud Antique Auto Club
St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce — Convention & Visitor Bureau
St. Cloud Jaycees
St. Cloud Morning Optimist Club
St. Cloud Sprinkler Co.
St. Joseph Y2K Lions Club
Chris & Deb Stalboerger
Eric & Joan Stalboerger
Richard & Margaret Stang
Paul W. & Elizabeth Steil
Tom & Joyce Stein
Steven Stock
Dennis & Bobbie Stolp
Dr. Thomas & Ann Stone
Strack Companies
Ellie Studer
Fred Stueve
Philip & Harriet Terry
Robert Testa
Pete & Julie Theismann
Think Tourism
Robert & Bonnie Thomsen
Mary Alice Tomporowski
TownSquare Media
William Trout
Diane Tuorila
U.S. Bank Foundation
Teresa Vandereyk
Vernon Vos
Lorraine Wagner
Waite Park Lions Club
Julie Ward
Doris Weiman
Susan Weitz
John & Mary Weitzel
Fred Wemlinger
Marjorie Wenker
John Wertz
Ray & Jean Weyer
Hugo & Rita Weyrens
Mary Weyrens Tasto
Bob & Penny White Fund
David Whitney
Whitney Foundation
Scott & Joan Wilcox
Sandra Q. Williams
Mary Wingerd
Patricia & Robert Witte Family Fund
Women’s Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation
Xcel Energy Foundation Matching Program
Marilyn Young
Edward Zapp
Maria Zimmerman
Harold Zosel
On the cover: Stearns County vacation promotion, 1943.
Donors
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The anniversary of St. Martin was one of many celebrations in which the Museum provided a photo exhibit. Other events included the Stearns County Fair, Pantowners Swap Meet,
Fisher’s Supper Club, Breakfast on the Farm, and the premiere of the film “Minnesota 13: From
Grain to Glass.”
Bannock Farm
Dick & Mimi Bitzan
Christine’s Sweet Confections
Coborn’s Inc.
Jim & Jan Davis
John & Jan Decker
Forest Mushrooms
Charles Goebel
Heavenly Treats
Lunds & Bylerys
McDowall Company
Edward Moeller
David Morreim
NuCara Pharmacy
Julianne O’Connell
Pioneer Place & DB Searles
Poppy Salon
Preferred Credit Inc.
Retro Green Energy
Saint John’s University
Shingobee Builders
Bruce & Cheryl Skalbeck
Philip & Harriet Terry
Think Tourism
University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners
Cathy Wurzer
Thank you to all of our generous members and donors. We sincerely appreciate your support and apologize if we have missed any names on this report.
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In-Kind
Supporting Members
Volunteers Rianna Runge and Sophie Mertensotto at Halloween Historia.
Visionary:Bayer Built Woodworks
Benefactor:DCI Inc.
Patron:Barclay & Janet Carriar
Jim & Jan Davis
James & Patricia Jungels
Landwehr Construction
St. Cloud Antique Auto Club
Philip & Harriet Terry
Advocate:Dick & Mimi Bitzan
Ann Didier
GNP Company
Michael & Karel Helgeson
Joan Hicks
McDowall Company
Doris Weiman
Sustainer:Jason Bernick
Joseph DesJardins & Linda Eich DesJardins
Bill & Marian Durrwachter
Ken & Kenna Frie
Charles Goebel
LuBell Kendall
Gretchen Leisen
Richard & Patricia Lewis
Jerry & Maureen McCarter
Robert & Marilyn Obermiller
Frank & Rosemary Roehl
James & Joan Schlenner
Maureen Spanier
Dr. Thomas & Ann Stone
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Supporting Members
Members enjoy lunch on their “Off 94” bus tour that featured
the lesser know historic sites off of Interstate 94.
Supporter:Gary & Kay Bechtold
Jeff & Lannie Bulka
Barbara & Jerry Carlson
Cathedral High School
St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce-Convention & Visitor Bureau
Alton Chermak
John & Jan Decker
Jim & Kathy Egan
Richard & Rose Gaetz
Kenneth & Donna Gorrell
Great River Federal Credit Union
Tom & Jeanne Hartmann
Doris Hennen
Patricia Hill
Arnold & Regina Hoeschen
Beulah Rose Hutchens
Dwight & Audrey Jaeger
Michael & Julie Kulzer
Suzanne Latko
John & Arlene Leisen
Wesley & Julie Lindquist
John C. Massmann
Kathy & Mark Middendorf
Lillian Phillipp
Ringneck Restaurants Inc.
Brian Schoenborn
Shawn Schooley
Daniel Schroeder
Jane Schulte
St. Cloud Area Genealogists Inc.
St. Cloud Retired Educators of MN
Tenvoorde Ford Inc.
Randy Vee & Kelly Notch
Tony & Joyce Tillemans
George & Shirley Torrey
Gary & Pat Webber
Scott & Joan Wilcox
Thomas & Catherine Williams
Bob & Patricia Witte
Dan & Nicole Wolgamott
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235 South 33rd Avenue St. Cloud, MN 56301-3752
NON PROFITORGANIZATION
US POSTAGEPAID
PERMIT NO. 555ST. CLOUD, MN
2016 Annual Report
2016 exhibit highlighting the 100th Year Anniversary of
Bernick’s Companies.