WESSELS LIVING HISTORY FARM

aka Wessels LH Farm Inc.   |   York, NE   |  www.livinghistoryfarm.org

Mission

The mission of Wessels Living History Farm is to preserve the history and tell the story of Nebraska agriculture and farm life though a collection of buildings, equipment, displays and artifacts that allow visitors to have an authentic educational experience. Our founder, David Wessels', dedication to agriculture lead to a living project trying to reflect the continuing role of those involved with agriculture play as they provide nourishment to the world.

PROVIDE VIRTUAL AND ON-SITE LIVING HISTORY FARM

Ruling year info

2002

Director

Hillary Mundt

Main address

5520 S Lincoln Ave

York, NE 68467 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

47-0843864

NTEE code info

Educational Services and Schools - Other (B90)

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Sign in or create an account to view Form(s) 990 for 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Register now

Communication

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

The mission of Wessels Living History Farm is to preserve the history and provide education to our guests relating to the evolution of agriculture and represent life on a Nebraska family farm through classes, demonstrations, activities and displays. Many people do not know where their food comes from, or the work that goes into it. Our purpose is to inspire people to get involved in agriculture, or at least learn about it and appreciate the work that feeds the world. Even in our local, rural setting we find that most students know very little about the crops and livestock that fuel our local economy.

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Educational Program

WLHF has an educational program which shares our love of the history of agriculture and farm life with students from Pre-K through High School. With the following class options:Animals on the Farm, School Days, The Best & Worst of Times, Farm Life in the 20s and Before, Christmas on the Farm, Planting Miracles, Earth Water & Sky and Welcome to My Kitchen- we have something for all ages. All of our classes involve kinesthetic learning. Graduate level classes may also be provided.

Population(s) Served

Where we work

Goals & Strategy

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.

Charting impact

Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.

We aim to improve the general understanding of agriculture- how large of a field it is, different ways to be involved, and an appreciation for the progress made in agriculture, as it has been the driving force behind so many technological advances. In order to do this, we have established organizational goals, as follows:

1. Improve our organizational structure through transparency and staff and board development, with the help of the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands.

2. Address program needs through brand awareness, community partnerships, applying for grant support, increasing revenue and building our employee base in order to support our mission.

3. Increase our educational value, through added content on our website, the addition of demonstrations and classes at the farm and collaboration with schools and other educational programs.

We are working towards a Guidelines and Principles Partnership status with NAM.

As the budget allows, we will increase the paid employees needed to handle the growth of the organization, with an Educator position at the top of the list.

Through our marketing plan, we are targeting travelers, schools and folks living outside of York County.

We have increased our budget for part time employees during the busy season by 150% over last year. With potential grant funding, we may double that by mid-2018.

We have a dedicated volunteer work force- over 110 volunteers in 2017 contributed to nearly 4000 hours.

With the support of our local York County Visitors Bureau, the Nebraska Tourism Commission and others, we are able to market to out of county and out of state potential guests, increasing our revenue, making possible the continued growth in our educational programs.

2018 is our 13th season. In that time, we have grown to seeing nearly 8000 guests per year, with a reach extending to an almost two hour drive in three directions in attendance of our educational classes.

Our website receives 100,000- 200,000 hits per month, from all over the world. Plans are in place to continue to add content- articles, videos and photos.

We are targeting group tour companies in order to boost revenue for the farm while boosting our educational reach.

We have collaborated with more than 50 area organizations and the list is growing!

An increase in farm demonstrations with antique machinery in the past few years has boosted attendance at ag-related events.

A variety of events on the farm will attract visitors who may not yet know how a living history farm relates to them.

We have specific goals pertaining to increasing the number of memberships, educational classes, and general attendance.

Continued educational opportunities for our board members, director, staff and volunteers are on the agenda.

Financials

WESSELS LIVING HISTORY FARM
lock

Unlock financial insights by subscribing to our monthly plan.

Subscribe

Unlock nonprofit financial insights that will help you make more informed decisions. Try our monthly plan today.

  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights?
Learn more about GuideStar Pro.

Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

lock

Connect with nonprofit leaders

Subscribe

Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.

  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.

lock

Connect with nonprofit leaders

Subscribe

Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.

  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.

WESSELS LIVING HISTORY FARM

Board of directors
as of 04/29/2019
SOURCE: Self-reported by organization
Board co-chair

Adam Beck

Aurora Cooperative

Term: 2017 - 2018


Board co-chair

Randy Quick

Quick Insurance

Term: 2017 - 2018

Janelle Medinger

Cornerstone Insurance

Leonard Anderson

Retired, Ag Sales

Stan Schulz

Semi-Retired

Gabe Jaeger

Mechanic, Case IH

Christian Walbrecht

Construction

Lyle Rathje

Retired, Farmer

Bobbie Itzen

Sutton School Dist. -Transportation

Max Hoover

York General- Maintenance