Hallmarkers Support Points of Community Pride

Anyone who has ever wondered what it was really like in the "good old days"-- the days of one-room school houses, log cabins and petticoats -- can take a step back in time through a local historical society. Hallmark and Hallmarkers have a long history of supporting these societies through monetary donations and volunteer work.

"Historical societies play a key role in maintaining the heritage and culture of a community," says Karen Bartz, community development manager. "The societies are especially important in some of the smaller communities where Hallmark plants are located because they serve as points of pride around which the entire community can rally."

Contributions provide much-needed support

Many Hallmark facilities have awarded grants to local historical societies through their contribution committees. In Center, Texas, for example, past grants have helped the Shelby County Historical Society renovate its historic courthouse, and continuing monetary support helps maintain the grounds. Donations from the Liberty Distribution Center to Clay County Archives helped develop an audio/visual history called "Footprints in Clay."

Hallmark monetary contributions and labor supplied through the Community Assistance Program (CAP) have enabled the Leavenworth County Historical Society to make a number of improvements, including repairing the Victorian mansion that houses the society, printing brochures, landscaping the yard, and cataloging photos.

"By supporting the Leavenworth County Historical Society, we can influence how this organization supports and reflects our community," says Gary Bradley, engineer I in Leavenworth who served on the society's board of directors for five years. "It helps improve the quality of life in the community and gives people a better understanding of the people and organizations that contributed to building Leavenworth County."

Volunteers help in many ways

Many Hallmarkers have chosen to volunteer their time to these societies, as well. Margaret Dick, section manager in Lawrence, is secretary for the Jefferson County Historical Society board of directors and serves on the events committee for Old Jefferson Town. Old Jefferson Town features historic buildings that have been moved from various parts of the county due to construction. "Old Jefferson Town gives us a way to step back into the past and learn how our forefathers lived," she says. "Some of these buildings are where our ancestors lived, taught, worshiped or shopped."

Doug Heigert,Model B operator in Topeka, has been active in the Wabaunsee County Historical Society since high school and has been on the board of directors since 1984. The society houses a large genealogical file and is active with local schools by offering tours, demonstrations and research.

"It's important for people to know where they came from," Doug explains. "Through a historical society, you can see how your community's past has shaped you and your family, as well as your state and the nation."