The importance of the History Center

To the Community of Montgomery County,

I have been compelled to write this letter to address a recurring question. I suppose it is as Shakespeare put it, all in a name.

Over the last several months, the query has been repeated several times, about how much money does the Montgomery County History Center receive from local government?

The answer is none! Even though we are named the Montgomery County History Center, we received no money from Montgomery County.

We used to, but with the current economic climate that funding has ceased. And even though the History Center is physically located in the City of Red Oak, we receive no support from the city.

The Montgomery County History Center operates strictly on money we receive from donors, memberships and grants.

We do generate some income from endowments and from fees we receive for providing research.

The History Center has only one paid employee, whose salary is paid by donations. The History Center relies on volunteerism of which it could desperately use more of.

Also, the Montgomery County History Center mission is to serve the entire county. We are not only a museum. We provide research information and meeting space and have several large areas that can be rented for get togethers. We do special tours for groups, such as scouts, schools, nursing home residents, etc.

So please come and visit your local History Center and buy a membership or renew a past one.

Submitted by
Dave McFarland, Director