Ten years ago the Society initiated an endowment fund as a way of ensuring future financial viability of our organization. At that time, we decided to postpone using the interest generated until we reached a goal of $250,000. With a recent donation of over $80,000, willed to us by a member, our goal is within reach. We hope to raise $50,000 in order to reap the ongoing rewards that an endowment fund is designed to provide. We ask you to, please, consider making an extra financial contribution of any amount this year so that the Society can begin to benefit from this fund! You will be providing long-term benefits for our mission to collect, preserve and disseminate Cook County history.   

What is an endowment fund?
An endowment fund is an investment in the future, providing ongoing financial security while enabling continued artistic excellence and innovation. The principal of the fund – that is, the amount that is raised from our generous donors-- is carefully invested and remains whole. The interest generated by the fund supports the Cook County Historical Society preservation and educational programs on an annual basis.

Some of the work you'll be supporting:

• Collection and storage of thousands unique items related to the rich history of Cook County
• A developing online catalog to view these collections on the internet
• A CCHS webpage and submissions to the Minnesota Digital Library
• Public programs in which local residents, authors and researchers share the county's history
• The museum's Passport Program providing local history for elementary students
• The creation of a major maritime exhibit to share Cook County's historical relationship to Lake Superior and to display the Grand Marais Lighthouse lens and the America's wheel
• Publication of quarterly newsletters and seven books
• Free admission to our many interesting sites and low membership costs to ensure public access

We ask you to help sustain these projects and ongoing programs with your financial contribution. The Society will continue to grow as an important local history organization and destination for visitors, researchers and the people of Cook County. Thank you for considering our request.

Sincerely,

Gene Erickson, President
Cook County Historical Society

OUR MISSION: The purpose of the Society shall be the collection, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge about the history of Cook County and to relate it to the history of the State of Minnesota.