PdC Historical Society eyes large projects, as Gift Giving Campaign runs

By Correne Martin

The Prairie du Chien Historical Society (PDCHS) has embarked on four monumental projects as part of a 20-year strategic plan to foster perpetual appreciation of historic structures within the city, according to a letter PDCHS submitted to city parks officials Dec. 9. The entity is also looking to draw new advocates of all ages to the museum, as an educational center for local history of the Prairie du Chien area. 

For those children and families who enjoyed Fridays at the Fort at Fort Crawford this past summer, the society encourages them to consider giving back. It’s that type of historical programming, collection features and opportunities the society would like to provide for the future.

Through its 18th annual Gift Giving Campaign, PDCHS wishes to capture financial backers, as well as new, younger members and volunteers. The organization and the Fort Crawford Museum have a solid base of supporters, who are small but committed to making these goals possible—in addition to continued operation and maintenance of the museum site. As part of the Gift Giving Campaign, the public is invited in on the upcoming adventures, with hopes that people outside of the usual circle will consider making a contribution to sustain the museum and its associated projects.

“We will use additional support to strengthen all facets of the museum, which include the maintenance of a repository for local history, and the preservation and cataloging of donated historical items,” Koch said in a letter to potential donors. 

Koch added, the society board has worked hard on budgetary policies and reports, made more educated financial decisions, and established greater financial stability. 

“Even though we had to cancel two major fundraising events because of the weather (pie auction at the Rendezvous in June and the Cemetery Tour in October), our budget still looks good because of the efforts of the membership committee to capture new members and expand our base of support, and increase admissions and gift shop sales,” he stated.

The PDCHS will begin its 24th year of operation of the Fort Crawford in 2020. The society would like to build on the successes it saw in 2019. Despite the canceled fundraisers, there was still a fall bus tour that brought in a good amount of funds. 

“Our thrust is to keep the museum going, but we still don’t have enough attractions if we want to keep people here for a weekend,” Koch insisted.

In addition to restoration of the St. Germain dit Gauthier House, aka Gremore-Coorough House, at 419 5th St., on St. Feriole Island, which started with registry to the State Register of Historic places in 2017, there are three more recent undertakings that have risen to the surface this past year.

The PDCHS aspires to 1) bring the Commandant’s House from the former Satter Building site to the Fort Crawford grounds, said Gary Koch, the society’s finance chairman. 2) Efforts have begun to address the preservation of the Antoine LaChapelle Cabin, aka Erdenberger Cabin, at 113 N. Villa Louis Rd. Also, 3) the Fort Crawford hospital building veranda is still undergoing a pillar replacement project. 

While some believe history is being under taught in schools today, the Fort Crawford Museum and its projects are a great way for that kind of education to be made available to forthcoming generations, Koch said. 

“When kids are interested in that, get them to the museum to participate and give them that local history especially. There’s a lot of adults and young adults who may not even know our local history either,” he commented. “Operating the museum and bringing this history to Prairie du Chien is possible because of contributions, large and small, from caring people.”

To make a tax deductible donation, contact Koch at 326-8598, or reach out to a board member.