President’s Message

“Investment in the nonprofit arts and culture industry builds the communities where people want to live and work. It is where entrepreneurs and creative economy businesses are launched and where nighttime economies flourish. When we prioritize diverse cultural expressions and traditions, it nurtures social connections, promotes community pride and identity, and boosts tourism by providing the authentic experiences that draw visitors to the community. If visitors have a positive experience, it may become a place to work—and ultimately one in which to live. Creating livable communities is economic development.”

—Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research, Americans for the Arts

To our dear Friends of the Farms:

I share Randy Cohen’s viewpoint, expressed above. I know, firsthand, what your support has done for Living History Farms and the authentic ways we are able to engage with our community. It costs more than $6,500 per day to operate Living History Farms. We appreciate the many ways you support us with your attendance, membership, charitable giving, and volunteer service. We could not function without your engagement.

Today, Living History Farms has an economic impact of approximately $6 million dollars, supporting 85 jobs, generating local hotel motel tax funds of $166,000 and is the catalyst for nearly $1 million of combined tax revenue for the State of Iowa and the federal government.

The New Year will bring some very exciting opportunities at our museum. We plan to announce a major project in April 2024 that will significantly expand our ability to offer year-round programming. Please email CultivatingOurFuture@LHF.org if you want to be among the first people to get the news.

Many thanks for engaging with Living History Farms in 2023!

With gratitude,

Ruth Haus