A leaky roof is a historical society’s worst enemy.

For years, the Fairwater Historical Society (FHS) has proudly stood as the keeper of our community’s stories, photographs, artifacts, and heritage. We preserve the memories of the families, businesses, and generations that built Fairwater into the place it is today.

But right now, the history we have worked so hard to protect is under immediate threat.

Hello, my name is Karen (nee Zabel) Ellsworth and I am on the Board of Directors of the Fairwater Historical Society (FHS) in Fairwater, Wisconsin. Fairwater is a small village in southeast central Wisconsin with a population of only 346 people at the 2020 census. The FHS and museum was started in 1999 in the old school that was built in 1910. FHS has only 120 members and we operate on a very small budget and have limited funds that are raised by doing a few public events during the year - brat fry's, pork chop dinners, Christmas celebrations, local presentations, etc. Given our limited funds, we are seeking donations to replace the roof on the old school as it is badly in need of repair. There are multiple layers of old shingles that need to be removed and it is unclear as to the condition of what is underneath. Please consider a donation to help preserve and save our small bit local of history. We would be deeply appreciative if you would kindly share this with your friends and neighbors.

Your donation is tax deductible - Fairwater Historical Society, Inc. EIN 391976159

The Challenge

Our building’s roof has reached the end of its life and is actively failing. As anyone involved in historic preservation knows, moisture is the ultimate threat to old documents, vintage textiles, and fragile artifacts. If we do not replace this roof before the elements take their toll, we are at risk losing irreplaceable local artifacts, photographs, and documents to water damage and mold.

The Cost Breakdown

We are a small, volunteer-driven organization, and a project of this scale is far beyond our regular operational budget. We have done our homework and received professional estimates for the work:

Every single dollar raised by this campaign goes directly into the building fund to pay the professional contractors executing this critical work.

Your Donation is 100% Tax-Deductible

Because the Fairwater Historical Society is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 39-1976159), all donations made through this certified charity campaign are fully tax-deductible. GoFundMe will automatically issue a tax receipt directly to your email as soon as you contribute.

How You Can Help

Our goal is to get this project moving before the heavy weather sets in. Thank you for stepping up to help protect Fairwater’s past for future generations to enjoy!

Also see us here: https://www.facebook.com/fairwaterhistoricalsociety/