2014 ANNUALREPORT

2014

President’s Message ....................................................3

Director’s Message.......................................................4

Year in Review................................................................5

Special Events................................................................6

Education.........................................................................8

Legacy & Historic 100.................................................11

Membership...................................................................12

Special Projects ...........................................................14

Dashboard......................................................................15

Financials........................................................................16

Marketing/Outreach...................................................17

Archives and Collections..........................................18

Staff & Docents ............................................................19

OUR MISSION:The Rock County Historical Society

Enriches and Engages the Communities of

Rock County, Wisconsin through

Preservation and Dissemination of the

Unique History and Heritage of Our Area.

OUR VISION:A place that defines the essence of Rock

County, Wisconsin; its people, places and

achievements during its rich past. A destination

that serves to bridge past to present by using

history as a tool to offer relevant, educational

and entertaining experiences.

OUR VALUES:Our Values:

Education

Authenticity

Entrepreneurialism

Preservation

Play & Discovery

CONTENTS

After another long winter, we are anxious

for warmer weather and new

opportunities to showcase the Rock

County Historical Society. Over the past

year, we have built a lot of momentum to

carry us forward in the new season.

Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the

RCHS staff and volunteers, and the

incredible support from our community,

we were able to create a new engaging

and interactive tour of the Tallman House.

The Tallman Technologies Tour was the

first new tour offered in 60 years,

providing a glimpse of what made William

Morrison Tallman and the Tallman House

so ahead of their time.

This past year, we had the opportunity to

highlight one of Rock County's treasures--

with an expanded Pickard China exhibit.

The addition of interactive kiosks added

an exciting element that enhances the

experience, offering a new perspective on

the history of this company with strong

Rock County roots. Complimenting the

new exhibits and tours, our Tallman Arts

Festival was once again a resounding

success. Hundreds of people were able to

spend the day, reviewing the many

talented local and regional artists,

enjoying good food from area

establishments, and listening to great live

music from area bands.

Another first for RCHS was being able to

work with Experience Design, a

consulting firm based in Boston

specializing in museums to conduct an

assessment and help to develop new

ideas for RCHS, the Tallman House, and

the Helen Jeffris Museum Center. Their

efforts inspired the development of the

Strategic Plan that will be the driving

force for RCHS in the years ahead.

The great work that is being done at

RCHS is certainly being noticed beyond

our community. In May, the State

Historical Society of Wisconsin Board of

Curators will be hosting their quarterly

meeting here Janesville. During their two

day program, they will be hosting

meetings on the RCHS Campus, the

Historic Women's Club as well as

partaking in an architectural tour of the

city. We are thrilled to be able to be a part

of their meeting.

To keep this momentum going, we are

excited to be sharing our strategic vision

at the Annual meeting. This plan is the

outcome of a tremendous effort by

Michael Reuter and many of the key

community partners who have worked

tirelessly to create a platform that is

inspriring, actionable and will anchor

RCHS as a gathering place, destination,

and valued community resource for years

to come.

Our Challenge as we move forward this

year and beyond, is to ensure we can stay

the course and see this vision become

reality. It will not happen over night, and

will require the sustained efforts of staff,

volunteers, and our members. II am

excited by the support we have received

and am honored to be able to be a part of

carrying our good work forward.

Thank you all for your continued support!

Timothy Maahs

President’s MessageBOARD OF

DIRECTORS

Executive Committee

Tim Maahs

President

Carolynn Mielke

Vice�President

Ryan Trezek

Treasurer

Kathy Boguszewski

Secretary

Anda O�Connell

Member at Large

TRUSTEES

David Kurtz

William Vogt

Molly Ryan

Matt Ryan

Charles Rydberg

Joe Knilans

Jeni Lindstrom

Todd Kimball

Jackie Wood

Gale Price

Ex-Officio (City of Janesville)

Potential was the buzzword around RCHS in

2014. Through a myriad of ways, the Historical

Society demonstrated the potential of its

programs, events and operations by achieving

great things in the past year. Using a multitude

of formats, visitors of all ages got the chance to

experience history in a ways they didn’t know

were possible. Whether it was through an immersive Tallman tour, an

interactive History Camp, or by viewing priceless artifacts, history has come

alive at the Rock County Historical Society.

A new thematic tour, Tallman’s Technologies, gave people a glimpse of

understanding the narrative of the Tallman House from a different

perspective. The Crafting Excellence exhibition reminded us of our artistic

roots and the raw talent of those that have come from Rock County. In its

second year, our History Camp continued to inspire younger audiences with

its daily offerings of different educational activities.

We were blessed to be able to add new faces to our team, while wishing

nothing but the best to those that have moved on to other opportunities.

Our greatest achievement in 2014 was collaborating to create our Strategic

Plan, a inspirational and engaging vision that will direct the Historical

Society for the next decade. By sharing it with the public, we aim to

transform not only our sites and programming, but more importantly the

community’s perception that the Rock County Historical Society can

become a greater community resource than ever before.

Thank you for all your support as we continue on this exciting journey!

Sincerely,

Michael Reuter

Executive Director

Director’sColumn

Over the past year, the Rock County Historical Society

offered new tours, educational programs and events

for visitors from all walks of life, both inside and out

of Rock County, Wisconsin. All of these activities were

made possible through the Society’s many generous

donors, members and sponsors.

The following pages detail the accomplishments and

growth of the Historical Society in each key area.

Year in Review

Special Events Annually, our events are designed

to engage our traditional

audiences while attracting a new

generation of visitor. By creating

and incorporating more hands-on

experiences within each event,

visitors walk away with a more

memorable experience that

inspires them to talk about their

heritage and history.

Lincoln-Tallman Fun Dash – June 14, 2015Making history educational and fun at the same time is the goal of

every museum. What is more fun than running through the streets of

Janesville as Abraham Lincoln?

Summer SolsticeFix the FenceJune 21st, 2014

While celebrating Midsummer, the Society

completed its Fix the Fence campaign, raising

$10,000 to support renovations to the Tallman

Fence, while becoming stronger advocates for

historic preservation.

Haunted History of Rock CountyOctober 28, 2014A macabre affair that shared stories

of Rock County’s sordid past.

34th Historic House Tour & GalaSeptember 27-28, 2014In honor of Parker Pen’s 125th anniversary, residents of the

Columbus Circle neighborhood opened their homes to honor

this cozy enclave and one of Janesville’s iconic businesses.

Lincoln on the LawnOctober 11 & 12, 2014The 16th President came back to

Rock County for a two-day visit

and in the process, the Society

made history come alive for a

weekend while showcasing

vintage Lincoln automobiles.

57th Annual Tallman Arts FestivalAugust 3, 2014Art in Nature was our 2014 theme honoring nature’s beauty.

Educational activities, art and music embraced a more down to earth,

naturalistic theme, while staying true to the Festival's core purpose of

promoting local and regional artists.

34thannual

house tour & gala

YOU

INVITED...

areCordially

TALLMAN ARTS FESTIVAL

EducationEducation is at the core of the RCHS mission.

We seek to grow our slate of programs for

youth and adults alike in order to bridge past

to present. In 2014, we provided a glimpse at

how the Society can be a more integral

educational asset for the Greater Rock

County community.

Crafting Excellence: The History of Pauline Pottery &Pickard China

The decorative arts heritage of Rock

County holds a diverse array of

craftsmen and artists. Crafting Excellence highlights two distinct

art forms and their creators via displays and multimedia

technology.

History Camp

A week-long adventure for Rock County students that immersed

them in various disciplines of local history. Collaborations

between the Historical Society, Beloit College and the Janesville

School District made the event possible.

Janesville HistoricWalking Tours

By taking over the annual

slate of walking tours, the

Historical Society carries on a long tradition of offering

the history of Janesville’s distinct neighborhoods to the

public in a complimentary format.

TALLMAN’STECHNOLOGIES

Our new thematic tour of the

Lincoln-Tallman House not

only immersed visitors by taking them back to 1872 as a

prospective buyer of the site, but is designed to encourage

repeat visitors to the Tallman House.

SupportSupport and success of the Rock County Historical Society comes from a diverse group of community support.

Our Membership is the bedrock of our existence in their belief of our mission; the City of Janesville has been a

steadfast supporter of our stewardship of the Tallman site, Rock County government believes in the broader

County narrative, and our new relationships with the Business Community opens new doors to a previously

untapped group of supporters.

Our Annual Appeal program provides critical operational support to keep our doors open and programs

staffed while offering engaging and educational experiences. We honor the contributors to this program below:

$10,000 & Above

Anonymous

Dorothy Ashcraft Foundation

George K. Tallman Trust

Anonymous

$1,000 to $9,999

Robert Duecker

Claremont Jackman Foundation

Tom Jeffris

Parker Foundation

Geoff Parker

Verne Vollrath

William Wartmann

Elizabeth Woodruff Foundation

$500 to $999

David & Kathleen Cullen

Jim & Heidi Grafft

$499 and Under

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas K. Ahern

Lois Allen

Ray & Virginia Anderson

John E. Anderson

Dale & Ruth Anderson

Daniel & Karen Atwood

David & Sonjia Bagley

Willa Bagley

Larry & Susan Barton

Alan & Jessica Bates

Douglas Batty

John Bauwens DDS

Albert & Nancy Hansen -

Bennett

Clarice Bergerson

Winfred Bold

Jane Bordner

Dave Briske

Eva Brookhiser

Whitey & Leslie Brunsell

Dale & Mary Buchholz

Roger & Kathy Burdick

Charlotte Butters

Bradley A. Cantrell

Rosemary Fleming Cash

Sally Cheever

Phyllis Cockfield

JP Cullen

Ron Delaney

Joyce Dodge

Dennis Dooley

Robert & Virginia Douglas

Melita Downing

Barbara DuBois

Leonard P. Eager

Jennifer Ehle

David & Julie Feingold

Carol Fosshage

Deanna Frank

Richard C & Joan Gates

Bob & Jean Guritz

Robert & Sylvia Harrison

Barbara Hough

Ruth Inman

Vicki Johnson

Joan Jorgensen

Steve & Lynn Karges

Ron & Sally King

Ted & Jan Kinniaman

Rex and Deb Kolste

David & Jan Kurtz

Arra Lasse

Alfred & Nancy Lembrich

Bradley W. Losching

Dr. Steven & Larissa Lyon

Jack & Joan Malin

Rowland & Audrey McClellan

Pam McGill

James & Kristin Meier

Paulette Melvin

Robert & Vivian Miller

Richard & Diane Miller

Anne M Naeser

Richard & Joan Neeno

Donald A & Barbara Nickerson

Wayne Olson

Michael A. Perry

Ruth Ann Peterson

Doug & Christina Rebout

Michael Spoon & Hannah Roach

Carol Roherty

Dennis James & Gena

Schachtschneider

Earl & Gwen Schultz

Jacqueline Schwengels

Frank & Martha Scott

Kay Sharpe

David & Sharyn Sheen

Frank F. & Jean Shuler

Pete & Denise Skelly

Greg & Lois Smith

Charles Smith

Leora Stavn

Geralyn Summerbell

Coral Swanson

Barbara Tapovatz

Harris Thacher

Anne Thomas

Susan Thompson

Edna M. Thorp

Thomas & Kathy Thostenson

Ralph Topinka

Pam Van Brocklin

James & Linda Viney

Kay Ward

Lou & Carol Warner

Legacy & Historic 100 Members During 2014, the Historical Society continued to strengthen old and

forge new relationships with the business community in Rock County

through its annual sponsorship program. By offering Brand Recognition

and Employee Benefits, the program soared, securing over a dozen

businesses that provide financial and in-kind support.

Lisa Karr Photography

Larsen Acres ld Fashioned Bakery Sutterlin Restorations

LEGACY LEVEL

HISTORIC 100

Members are the bedrock of support for the Historical Society. With this commitment, they getexclusive access to our new tours, exhibits and programs.

A revised Membership Level structure and new marketing collateral offers even more incentive tosupport the Historical Society in the year to come.

Thank you to all of our members who supported us in 2014 at across all of our levels.

Membership

Abraham Lincoln

Charles Mowbray

William Tallman

Willa Bagley

Henry Janes

Bradley Cantrell

James Lyke

Rowland McClellan

Jim Ryan

Charles Smith

Michael Spoon

Historian

Daniel Atwood

Dolores Barlass

Winfred Bold

William A. Bolgrien

Terry Branz

Ron Delaney

William Doppstadt

Britten Grafft

Jean Guritz

John S. Haye

Judith Jaggard

Jack Malin

Larry Nitz

Anda O'Connell

Cheryl Rogers

Oakleigh Ryan

Donald Saevre

Dennis James Schachtschneider

Earl Schultz

Frank Scott

Pete Skelly

Greg Smith

Geralyn Summerbell

Family

Den Adler

Dale Anderson

Raymond Anderson

Tim Banwell

Larry Barton

Peter Bentley

Donald Beutin

Suzanne Bill

Michael Bolster

Roberta Bradley

Bruce Briney

Anthony Briski

Susan Speth Brown

Kathy Burdick

G Richard Cope

James Cripe

John Decker

Russ Degerman

David Feingold

Frank Fiorina

Dan Fredricks

David Gibb

Cynthia Grantz

James Hay

Sandra Hendricks

Bryon Herzig

Craig Holden

John Hoopes

Clem Hudziak

Patricia Hughes

Gee Gee Jannene

Steve Karges

Janet Labrie

William Lothary

Tim Maahs

Dana Merker

Diane Miller

Peg Murray

Hiram Nowlan

Gale Price

Dennis Ramberg

Mary Rebout

Matt Ryan

Virginia Saltzman

Don Sartell

David Schollmeier

W. W. Schwartzlow

Scott Shadel

Martin Stabb

Keith Steinbeck

Mary Terry

Dale Thompson

James Thorpe

Julie Unbehaun

James Viney

Lori Vogel

Kathleen Wawrzyniak

Jackie Wood

William Zeman

Individual

Maddie Adams

Paula Albers

Nancy Anderson

John Bauwens DDS

David Bradford

Maggie Bromley

Mary Buelow

Lori Cassels

Sue Conley

David Dean

Nancy Belle Douglas

Elayne Drenckpohl

Robert Duecker

Jennifer Ehle

Dr. Curt Gonstead

James Hammel

Gina Helgesen

Heidi Holden

Gloria Huschka

Lynne Jacobsen

Vicki Johnson

Elizabeth Jozwiak

Amy Jo Kenevan-Ruthe

Deborah King

Jan Kinnaman

Nancy Kopp

Gloria Lentz

Brian Marquis

Dorothy McNall

Carolynn Mielke

Andrea Miller

David Mowery

Michael Mugnani

Justin Presny

Lisa Reinicke

Michael Reuter

Hannah Roach

Susan Schroeder

Peggy Schutt

Kay Sharpe

Sterling North Society

Coral Swanson

Edna Thorp

Pam Van Brocklin

Jeff Warner

Ron Yager

Senior/Student

Lucy Abram

Kathryn Adams

Stephen Adams

Frederick Adams

Jim Alverson

Barbara Anderson

Kathryn Harris Aragon

Donna Bader

Jonathan Bader

Susan Bellman

William Bevens

Barbara Bobzien

Mary Boufford

Jeannine Bown

Donald Branz

K Andreah Briarmoon

Dave Briske

Lillian Brown

Charlotte Butters

Mary Butts

Norma Carlson

Rosemary Fleming Cash

Mary Casper

Jane M. Colby

Ken Conner

David Cress

Susan Cress

Sally Cullen

Gwen Daluge

Marianne Dean

Katherine A Demrow

Pauline Dewitt

Walter Diedrick

Dolores Dilley

Melita Downing

Barbara DuBois

James H Dumke

Marti Everts

Will Everts

Elvira Fazel

Deanna Frank

Mary Frei

Ray Freiwald

Judith Gibbs

Eugene Gibbs

Sr. Lauretana Gorman

Naomi Hackbarth

Francette Hamilton

Dorothy Hanson

Betty Harnack

Mary Ann Harris

Kathleen Harrison

Marsha Havertape

Margaret Henke

Dale Henning

Sandy Heuerman

Virginia Hirsch

Carol Hurley

Rose Husen

Grace Jackson

Donald Jenkins

Mary Owen Johnson

Joan Jorgensen

Sally King

Yvonne Koball

Beverly Koch

Jane Korsberg

Elizabeth Kuranz

Nancy Larson Will

Steve Latka

Sue Ellen Madere

William Mathews

Stephanie Mathews

Pam McGill

Karen Goelzer- McKaig

Bill McKelvy

Dana McKelvy

Mike McKinnon

Paulette Melvin

Jean Moore

Gerald Mueller

Anne M Naeser

Dr. Katsumi Neeno

Charlotte Parsons

Dean Paynter

Michael A. Perry

Donald C Persons

Ruth Ann Peterson

Sara Pfannkuche

Susan Porter

Phyllis Rice

Doris Roehl

Marlene Roessler

Carol Roherty

Carol Root

Florence Schaller

Phillip Schauer

Betty Schoenenberger

Erma Schultz

Marion Schumacher

Roger Schwartz

Everett Scott

Lujean Scott

Ella Selby

Richard Selje

Catherine Serleth

Janet Severance

Charles W Simons

Susan Skinner

Tom Skinner

Leora Stavn

Don Stoker

Phyllis Stoker

Elaine B. Strassburg

Sandy Stratmeyer

Shirley Swanson

Walden Thiede

Patricia Thom

Susan Thompson

Kathy Thostenson

Sherry Thurner

Ed Timmer

Kaaren Torkelson

Ellen Trewartha

Verne Vollrath

Rita Walker

Jacqueline S Webb

Nancy Welch

Patrick Welch

Roberta Wickham

Betty Willing

Paul Wixom

Elaine Wood

Pamela Yeager

Nanci Zigler

Our Special Projects in 2014 inspired the

community to act to broaden the reach and

impact of the Rock County Historical

Society’s mission across a variety of areas.

Preservation, interpretation, education and

strategic vision were all shaped by a variety

of stakeholders who belief in our important

work.

Completion of these projects have

positioned the Society to make big ideas

turn into reality in the years to come.

Fix the Fence

Fixing a fence is one thing, but rallying

a community around improving the

gateway to a Rock County icon is

another. Belief in the importance of

historic preservation enable the

Society to “Fix the Fence” at the

Tallman House.

Tallman's Technologies Tour

"No reason to come back.", was the essence

of the Lincoln-Tallman House. No more. With

the first of several thematic tours to engage

visitors and inspire them to return being

launched, a new model for the site's

sustainability was created.

Strategic Plan Creation

No plan succeeds without a vision.

The Society recognized that it

needed a Strategic Plan in order

to cultivate the level of support

needed to truly transform the

organization and make it an

invaluable educational and

cultural asset to Rock County.

Eight months later, we created just that; a fifteen year, three-phased

Plan that positions the RCHS as the Portal to Rock County history.

Charles Tallman Archives Grand Opening

It is our family stories that make history relevant to each of us. With

a new site for the our archival collections, the Society is able to

provide access and assistance to more visitors, while providing

additional storage for our growing collection of photographs,

documents and personal correspondence that captures the narrative

of Rock County’s people. The Charles

Tallman Archives is the research hub

for the campus and strives to

continue its outreach to all who are

discovering their genealogical roots.

Special Projects

LEARN HOW 1850’S INNOVATIONS CHANGED JANESVILLE FOREVER.

Rock County Historical Society

Strategic Plan

VISITORS

SUPPORT 340Members Support the RCHS Mission

221 Generous & Giving People Volunteered over 2,000 hours to support our mission.

Over $10,000 of in-kind support was contributed in services and expertise.

58 Objects, Photos and Documents were entrusted to the Historical Society for future generations.

O F T H E S E V I S I T O R S :

Createdtheir ownhistory viaa RentalEvent.

RCHS Dashboard

RCHS.USO V E R

52,589HITS 2,528

(1,150 in 2013)208 (101 in 2013)

INTERACTIONS

Avg. of 4,000 /month

14,528

1,151

Interactedwith theLincoln-TallmanHousewhile ontour.

2,718

Peoplediscovered

theirFamily’sHeritage atthe CharlesTallmanArchives

3,941

Visitors tothe 2014

Tallman ArtsFestival &other

SpecialEvents

4,462

Off-siteInteractionswith theParkerPen

Exhibit

2,256

VISITED THE ROCK COUNTY HISTORICALSOCIETY IN 2014

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

2014 Support and Revenue by Source

Public support......................................................................... 125,123

Public support - restricted use ..................................... 459,495

County contributions ............................................................. 9,244

Service revenue from the City of Janesville ............. 45,000

Event and exhibit revenue, net.......................................... 10,061

Membership dues and admissions................................. 26,856

Investment return......................................................................... 355

Archives......................................................................................... 8,519

Other ........................................................................................... 10,468

Total revenue........................................................... 695,121

2014 Expenditures

Wages and benefits ............................................................. 141,037

Office expenses........................................................................ 17,282

Insurance ..................................................................................... 9,634

Marketing and communication......................................... 15,686

Maintenance and repairs ....................................................... 8,677

Telephone, utilities, and IT .................................................. 39,614

Professional fees ...................................................................... 5,500

Archives........................................................................................ 3,744

Other.............................................................................................. 5,479

Expenditures - restricted use........................................... 141,525

388,178

Depreciation............................................................................ 45,684

Total expenditures ............................................... 433,862

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

ASSETS

Cash and certificates of deposit................................... 563,807

Investments.............................................................................. 39,063

Contributions receivable .......................................................... 530

Inventory...................................................................................... 4,393

Property and Equipment.................................................. 987,676

TOTAL ASSETS.............................................................. 1,595,469

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

Accounts payable and accrued expenses..................... 17,838

Net Assets.................................................................................................

Unrestricted ..................................................................... 1,057,360

Temporarily restricted..................................................... 459,317

Permanently restricted.................................................... 60,954

Total Net Assets................................................................... 1,577,631

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS ............... 1,595,469

2014 Financials

Vibrant content, across multiple platforms, continue to excite, engage and

entertain enthusiasts of Rock County’s history both inside the community

and beyond!

The Finial continues to be a resource that informs, while sharing the

happenings of other historical and cultural organizations in the Greater

Rock County community! Our Business Sponsors and their rich

commercial heritage continue to be a main element in promoting

innovative and lasting leadership in the business sector.

New offerings include a stunning website, Tallmantours.org that

showcases new uses for the Lincoln-Tallman House. It won a Silver Addy

Award for communications excellence via its creator, Formost Media. A

new marketing strategy has elevated the perception of our Rental

Program, changing people’s perceptions that the site is used for museum

purposes only.

Marketing/Outreach

MakeYour Own

History

SITE RENTAL INFORMATION

Archival materials and object from 58 donors were added

to the RCHS collection in 2014. Both large and small,

everything from a Tallman family salt spoon to an aerial

view of Evansville shows that history comes from every

corner of Rock County.

RCHS received rare Tallman family items from segments of

the family in California and New York. They continue to tell

the extended story of William Morrison Tallman’s

grandchildren, Stanley and Charles, when they lived at

residences at 426 & 430 N. Jackson Streets.

After more than three years of planning,

construction and dedication from supporters,

the Charles Tallman Archives & Research

Center has a new home. Opened in

November, the Center will continue to grow

as a recognized resource for genealogists,

historians and the public as they discover

their heritage by using a variety of valuable

historical resources.

Research services, photographic

reproductions and house history capsules are

just a few of the many ways in which the

Center can use history as a tool for making

the past a personal, intimidate experience.

Collections

Archives

Michael Reuter

Executive Director

Laurel Fant

Curator/Collections Manager

Meghan Walker

Marketing & Outreach Coordinator

Keighton Klos

Campus Coordinator

Ruth Anderson

Archives Manager

Nathan Fuller

Educational Curator

Judy Ainsworth Gilmore

Samantha Gartner

Dan Herzig

Lynne Jacobsen

Christina Hall

Emily Starck

Without our docents, the rich history of the Lincoln-Tallman House

could not be shared with hundreds of volunteers each year. Thank you

for you for sharing its story!

Staff

LINCOLN TALLMAN

DOCENTS

People are what drive great

organizations. Without a passionate and

dedicated staff, the mission of the Rock

County Historical Society could not be

fulfilled. Our Board of Directors thanks

you for your steadfast commitment to

better the communities of Rock County

through the lessons of our past.

426 N. Jackson Street PO Box 8096 • Janesville, WI 53545

www.rchs.us