2020: Year in Review
Reflection on Adaptation

For a variety of different reasons, this year was a struggle for many people. I am proud to share how the DeKalb County History Center’s board, volunteers and staff pulled together, made adjustments, and continued to achieve our mission in new and creative ways.

History Matters!

Preserve your local history by helping fund our new center!

Your tax-deductible donation will make the new DeKalb County History Center facility a reality. The support and generosity of the community allows us to achieve our goals. Every donation makes an impact, no matter how small. DCHC is appreciative of your contribution.

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Rendering of the new DeKalb County History Center
Rendering of the new center
Help us keep inspiring curiosity in DeKalb County's history. Any donation amount is appreciated.
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Input from the Board, Staff, Volunteers and the public influenced the Strategic Plan as a foundation for our vision in the next 12-18 months.

Click here to see the Plan

Staffing

Long-time DeKalb County Historian and Joiner History Room Director Sue Breese's last day was July 31. The DeKalb County Government appointed Michelle Donahoe as the successive County Historian. Rob Glover was named the new Director of the Joiner History Room.


Programs and Services

The History Center reopened with limited hours in August, and significantly expanded on-line options to better serve new and current audiences. This year our accomplishments include:

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Launching "History: Out and About.

For 19 weeks stories about DeKalb County's townships
were shared on social media.

Veteran's Google Classroom

Developing Bitmoji Classrooms: 

interactive virtual classrooms with primary sources.

Providing virtual Brown Bag / Local Lore
programs, field trips and history talks.

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Creating a Scavenger Hunt
on the History Center property.

As well as....

  • Designing a DeKalb County Township hisoric resource website to be launched in 2021.
  • Continuing to see partnership with local history organizations ad librarires grow.
  • Conducting research to answer numerous Joiner History Room requests.
Help us keep inspiring curiosity in DeKalb County's history. Any donation amount is appreciated.
Donate Now


Communication

Ongoing communication with members, supporter and the public is essential. Opportunities for engagement through various channels allowed for creative outreach, increasing for wider appeal:
Facebook

...2,273 Followers from 62 different locations among 11 states "Like" DCHC

Twitter

...28% growth in Followers

Instagram

...25% growth in Followers

Website

...New visitors are the majority of users (91%)

Newsletter

...Subscribers total over 1300!

Connecting with Volunteers

Volunteers are our lifeblood. With COVID restrictions imposed, volunteer opportunities continued via on and off-site projects.


Fundraising


What's Next?

As the pandemic limited the traditional income opportunities, the History Center let two fundraising efforts:

Give DeKalb County: Met our Goal of $18,000.

Virtual House Walk: 
Launched at the end of October, 16 homes can be viewed through January 10, 2021, (now extended) through March 15, 2021. Initial response shows participants making donations in addition to their ticket purchase.

DeKalb County Touring App

Collaborating with partners in the County, a new mobile app for self-guided touring is planned to launch late spring.

Our Partners

To promote various history organizations throughout our county, short videos about different history partners are being developed.

Exhibit
"History of DeKalb County in 100 objects" is the upcoming exhibit and plans are in the works for an opening date in 2021.

Arts in Action

We are working on expanding our relationships with diverse communities throughout the county. In partnership with the Ellwood House, the "Arts in Action" committee is exploring ways to share lesser known stories in our county's history.

Help us keep inspiring curiosity in DeKalb County's history. Any donation amount is appreciated.
Donate Now