Capital Campaign
We have something exciting to share with you!
We've spent 18 months preparing for this campaign.
We're excited to share with you the plans we have for our Museum and the many exciting ways you can help us ensure
the future of this area treasure.
The Hastings Museum has played a vital part in establishing Hastings as one of the leading art and cultural centers
of the Central Plains. The Museum Foundation is working with the Trustees to ensure financial stability for exhibits,
programming and facilities. To this end, we are embarking upon a Capital Campaign – our first in nearly 15 years.
As our starting point for this Campaign, a Strategic Plan was developed and articulates a clear vision for significant
improvements to this beloved landmark. Further, a Facilities Study was completed to document necessary repairs and upgrades
to our structure.
The purpose of this campaign is to make necessary facility and exhibit renovations and to achieve accreditation from the
American Association of Museums. By becoming accredited, we'll be eligible for additional grant funding as well as exciting
traveling exhibits.
Accreditation, renovation and new grant sources will ensure that our Museum continues to adjust to contemporary times
and attracts a broad base of visitors and supporters. With your help, we’re confident that, at the Hastings Museum...
Imagination Can Take Flight!
“My father served on the Museum Board for over 20 years. I followed his example, and served for over 15 years.
So, the Museum has always been important to my family. It would be difficult for me to envision Hastings without the Museum.
It is such a vital part of our community and an asset that deserves our enthusiastic
support.” — Jack Osborne, President of Industrial Irrigation
| Capital Campaign Leadership Committee |
| Colleen Adam, Co-Chair |
Patty Kingsley |
| Catherine Parshing, Co-Chair |
Doug Oakeson |
| Dean Moors |
Rhonda Pauley |
| Lynne Friedewald |
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Our Plans for the Future – 2nd floor redesign and gun exhibit...
Click to zoom
- Visitors can explore the dry goods store and train depot with a hands-on telegraph activity, see the Prairie Schooner that carried the homesteaders West, and visit the pony express station next to the the sod dugout. A walk-in barn will house our extensive agricultural machinery collection.
- The river, wetlands and cranes combine in this area to tell the tale of weather and water’s shaping influence upon our lives. The erosion of the Dust Bowl, the impact of irrigation and the extinction of several native species are all featured in this area.
- This life-size replica is 30 feet of aquatic sea reptile, a prehistoric inhabitant of Nebraska! The Mosasaur will swim between the two museum floors and be visible from the entrance as well.
- Tunnels under the Prairie is an interactive prairie dog town where children can crawl into the burrows and examine plant and wildlife both above and below the prairie. Periscopes allow a peek up into the prairie grasses and their many inhabitants.
- This entire area illustrates the development of Native American life on the Plains. This circle is the actual size of a Pawnee earth lodge and nestled within stands a replica of an even earlier Native American dwelling. A computer station will involve the visitor in creating ‘fire from flint’ as well as early tools and weapons of our local tribes.
 “Lock, Stock and Barrel - The History of Guns on the Prairie”
Currently in development, this exhibit will teach the history and technology of the firearm. From gunpowder’s start 2000 years ago in China to weaponry of the Civil War, from the guns of the Wild West to the important role played by our own Naval Ammunition Depot, this tale is rich with interesting local tie-ins.
Why are we doing this and how can you help us?
How have we prepared for this?
- Developed a 10 year strategic plan for exhibit design, facility maintenance and fiscal stability
- Commissioned a professional Facilities Study detailing the current and projected needs for building maintenance and AAM compliance
- Underwent essential internal evaluations and grant-funded prerequisite evaluations as preparation for AAM accreditation
Why are we doing this?
- To achieve American Association of Museums accreditation which opens
the door to:
- Traveling exhibits from such notable institutions as the Smithsonian Museum
- Additional grant funding opportunities which are only awarded to accredited museums as well as higher priority consideration on general grant applications
- National prominence being one of only 300 museums in the nation with AAM accreditation and only one of five in the state of Nebraska
- To preserve and revitalize our facilities, programs and financial capabilities for the future
Who visits the Museum?
- 71,000 people visited the museum in 2006
- Members – in 1997, we had 3,139 members, in 2006, we had 5,453 members - an increase of 74%
- Over 18,000 students from 267 schools visited the museum this last year
- Nearly 9,700 were from Hastings schools – all Hastings students are admitted for school programs free of charge
- Conventions and Visitors – Through promotional partnership with regional events and attractions, the
Museum increases our community’s tourism dollars and adds to the cultural diversity and attractiveness of our area
 How can you help us?
- Become a member of the Museum – Our memberships start at $28 for an individual and $40 for a family and include a discount on all summer classes as well as at the museum store
- Pledge your support with a contribution over 1, 2, 3 years
- Purchase a Raffle Ticket
- Consider planned giving opportunities
- Be an advocate for community support of our Museum
- Encourage your family, neighbors and friends to discover what a treasure we have in our Museum
What will we do with your contribution?
- Update our climate control system to conserve our collections - a prerequisite for accreditation
- New Firearms exhibit – we need to match a State of Nebraska LCCC $120,000 grant to conserve and display our highly regarded firearms collection
- Second Floor exhibit redesign – to bring into AAM compliance our existing displays as well as to integrate many museum pieces currently in storage into the public displays
- Endowment Growth – part of our commitment to the future of our museum is our determination to position the museum on solid financial ground by actively growing our endowment. The endowment will generate annual interest revenue which will provide fiscal stability for the future
Thank you for your continued belief in the Hastings Museum's mission and financial support.
Patty Kingsley, Interium Director of Development
402-705-0743
hastingsmuseumfoundation@charter.net
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