The heart and heartbeat of any organization are core elements that keep an organization alive. While there exist many important interrelated elements to sustain organizations, there are always a few essential elements that, if those fail, the organization will ultimately fail. What keeps the small but determined nonprofit Owen-Withee Area Historical Society alive? The answer lies in a few critical factors — heartbeats of history — echoing through the rooms of a local museum.
Small businesses and organizations in rural America often struggle to survive beyond five years. Common reasons for failure are insufficient resources, poor governance, and lack of basic skills required to manage a business. The risk is often compounded by lack of plans and foresight to replace senior members as they age out.
Since opening the doors at the O-W History Center, much has been accomplished in a few short years. Collection of and cataloging hundreds of artifacts, hosting regular exhibits, and welcoming visitors from across Wisconsin and beyond. Volunteers have organized the collection, documented memories and participated in community events to bring people together.
After four years, three pillars have kept the Owen-Withee History Center thriving:
• The Owen-Withee Area History Series. This newspaper column that is published in the Enterprise Sentinel. Since 2020. Weekly stories, memories and connections with a loyal readership. Both locally, and beyond the borders of downtown Withee and Owen. A vision and telling a story to a wide audience.
• Preservation Efforts (museum): Protecting and sharing local historical assets — documents, objects, oral histories — a core mission. A formalized preservation process to ensure future generations have a tangible link to their heritage. A collection made possible by generous donors and benefactors. People like you, the readers of this column.
* Dedicated volunteers and outreach leaders. A small but dedicated volunteer staff. A passion for preserving local history and a willingness to give time and expertise. Engaged members who bring ideas, energy, and connections. Ongoing museum activities coupled with face-to-face outreach. Including outreach to area Mennonite neighbors.
For small rural historical societies seeking inspiration, books and literature offer written guidance. "Grassroots Museums: A Survival Guide for Small Museums" by Ken Muse provides practical advice for volunteer-driven organizations. "The Little Museum Book: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining a Small Museum" by Sarah S. Brophy is filled with strategies for building community ties and managing resources. "The Power of Community: How Phenomenal Leaders Inspire Their Teams, Wow Their Customers, and Make Bigger Profits" by Howard Partridge, translates well to the nonprofit world—reminding us that relationships and shared purpose are the keys to lasting success. “Guide to Nonprofit Leadership” by Joan Garry is a practical guide for nonprofit leaders.
As we look to the future — whether you’re a senior citizen, a young person seeking connection, a member of the Mennonite community, or a random stranger — please join in preserving Owen-Withee’s historical story. Volunteer, visit the museum, bring your family to an event, or share your memories. Local history is not just about the past — it’s about shaping the future of Owen-Withee.
The heartbeat of history is strongest when we all take part. With engagement, support, preservation, and inclusiveness, the Owen-Withee Area Historical Society will continue to thrive. Together, we can ensure a community’s legacy endures, inspiring pride and understanding, for generations yet to come.
Please join and support the mission. If you use social media, go to Facebook and look up and join the Owen-Withee Area Historical Society group. Tell your friends and spread the word. Thank you.