 
The Archives Capital Campaign has been established to collect funds for the retirement of the Society’s mortgage and other purposes. We have a modest amount to raise, only $210,000. We already have pledges for over $40,000. Included in this amount is $32,000 from the SLHTS board of directors and Archive Committee members. This puts us on our way toward meeting our goal.
One of the more important roles of the SLH&TS is to maintain an archive. The Archive Committee has a separate board of directors, but is under the jurisdiction of the Society. Over the years, the archive has been able to amass a large amount of material. A lot of it was donated from the Soo Line Railroad and Wisconsin Central Ltd. The material was stored in various storage lockers and in member's basements and garages, waiting for a permanent home. The Archives Committee looked at several options over the years, but none were suitable.
Several years ago, the SLH&TS considered a new archives building to be built in Neenah, Wisconsin. We were not able to get a grant to cover the majority of the cost of this ambitious project and were forced to reconsider our options. When a suitable building became available in Appleton, the Society voted to purchase it. We were able to afford a substantial down payment and finance the remainder. The building needed several improvements that had to be addressed before we could move in, including a new roof and flooring. These have been paid for out of the society's funds.
We have begun a capital campaign to raise money to pay off the mortgage, complete the restoration of the building and replenish our treasury. Our goal is $210,000, which we hope to raise in three years. The importance of our mission is demonstrated by the fact that the BOD of the Society, the Archive Committee members and the editor of the SOO magazine has pledged $31,000 towards our goal.
If you are reading this, you must have some interest in the Society and the Archives. We have begun a fundraising drive and are asking you to pledge what you can. You do not need to be a member to help us in our efforts. Please consider our request on the accompanying PDF. Any amount, no matter how small, will help us meet our goal. All contributions are tax deductible, but please consult your tax attorney for particulars. If you have an employee matching plan, please take advantage of it.
The archives play a pivotal role in the society. It is entrusted with collecting, organizing, maintaining and seeing that the information will be available for future researchers. The Society plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the material is shared. The primary way this is accomplished is through our magazine, the SOO. If you enjoy the scholarly work that makes the SOO unique, I am sure that you will agree that it is a project worthy of your support.
Thank You
David Leider
Capital Campaign Chairman
Supporting Campaign Documents
Mailing Sent to Members
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