WESSELS LIVING HISTORY FARM
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
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
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.
Where we work
External reviews

Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
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.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
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.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
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.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
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
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.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild 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.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild 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 directorsas of 04/29/2019
Adam Beck
Aurora Cooperative
Term: 2017 - 2018
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