When did all this get started?
The Marcus Historical Society has been "in the works" since 2005.  The Society was officially incorporated as of July 12, 2006.
 

Does the Society have a building yet?
Yes we do!  The Society has purchased the former Danish Lutheran Church building at 208 West Cedar Street.  The building has been named The Reed Center of the Marcus Historical Society.
 

If I join, am I obligated to volunteer a certain number of hours of my time?
Your membership doesn't obligate you to anything other than general support of the Society.  Of course, the Society will certainly appreciate any and all volunteer hours as well as cash donations (which are tax-deductible).  In the future, the Society will need help to keep The Reed Center staffed and operating.  The Society will be relying 100% on volunteers to do that.
 

Do I have to come to all the meetings?
No.  As a paid member, you are welcome to come to any and all meetings.  You will also be allowed to make and second motions and to vote.  You are not obligated to attend however.
 

I don't live in Marcus.  Can I (should I) join?
Absolutely!  The Society has members who live out of sate.  Some used to live here.  Some have parents or grandparents who live(d) here.  Anyone who is interested in Marcus history is welcome to become a member!
 

Can I include my parents (or other adult relatives) in my Family Membership?
Sorry, no.  A Family Membership includes only a husband and wife and their children under age 18 living in the same household.
 

Can I sign up by email today and have you send me a bill for my dues?
No.  You're welcome to send an email at any time of course.  In order to join the Society however, please print the membership application form and mail it in at your convenience.  The mailing address is at the top of the form.  Please be sure to include a check or money order with your completed application.
 

If I join as a Founder, will my children also have lifetime memberships?
Yes!  As long as your children live in the same household as you AND are under age 18 at the time you pay your lifetime Founder Membership, they will also have a lifetime membership.  Be sure to list their names on the membership application form.
 

Can I purchase a Founder Membership a couple of years from now?
No.  The lifetime Founder Membership is only being made available for a limited time.  After this offer closes, a plaque will be made including all the names of our Founder Members.  The plaque will be prominently displayed in The Reed Center.
 

Can I purchase a "gift membership" for someone else?
Yes.  Please fill out the membership application form with their name and information.  If you are paying for a membership for yourself and a gift membership for someone else, please fill out separate application forms for each.  You may write a single check, however.
 

Can I make a donation in memory of a deceased friend or loved one?
Yes, please do.  You will receive a receipt in the mail for your tax-deductible donation and the family of the deceased will receive a card from the Society acknowledging the memorial gift.
 

I don't want to be a member.  Can I just give you a one-time cash donation?
Sure!  Cash donations are always welcome.  Your donation is tax-deductible.
 

Do you have any kind of business (or corporate) membership or discount?
No.  The Society desires to be family-oriented and privately-driven rather than business-oriented and commercially-driven.
 

Are you accepting donations of items for the history center?
Not yet, but we will be very soon.  Please feel free to email the Society regarding any items you have in mind.  The Society will gladly get in touch with you when the time comes.
 

Can I loan items for display instead of giving them to the Society?
Yes!  When the time comes, the Society will gladly accept items on loan to be displayed for a limited amount of time.  It's entirely up to the owner how long a period of time the item(s) will be on loan to the Society.
 

What types of items does the Society plan to display?
The Society wants items that have a connection to Marcus and our surrounding area.  The Society isn't interested in "generic" items simply because they are old or antique.  The Society plans to have an accessions committee and a Curator to make the final decision on which items to accept or decline.
 

Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes!  The Society is a non-profit organization, defined as a public charity by the IRS.  Please see the 501(c)3 page for details that you might need for tax return purposes.
 

Why does the membership application ask if I subscribe to the Marcus News?
The Society asks this question only for the purposes of disseminating information.  If the vast majority of members are subscribers, then placing general announcements in the local newspaper may be sufficient.  If there is a significant number of non-subscribers however, then the Society knows that more direct mailings or phone calls may be necessary.
 

Are you going to sell my address and/or phone number to some mailing list?
Absolutely not!  Your personal information will be used only by the Marcus Historical Society.  You will receive information from us on occasion, but only in the form of ballots, newsletters, and the like.  Only your name and city of residence may be listed here on our website.
 

Will the Society or its website include any genealogy resources?
Hopefully at some point in the future.  Our community history is made up of many family histories.  Preserving one is preserving the other.
 

Who is on the Executive Board?
Elected in 2006, terms expire 2008:  President June Pallesen Dias, Vice President Jim Nielsen, Secretary Maxine Shea.  Elected in 2007, terms expire 2009:  Treasurer Bonnie Husman, Member at Large Fran Zembsch
 

Who decides who serves on the Executive Board?
All paid members will be provided with a ballot and may cast their vote in any and all elections.  Please see the Constitution & Bylaws page for more information about the Executive Board and the election process.
 

Will the Society be selling historical items?
Not exactly.  According to our Constitution & Bylaws, "the purpose of this organization shall be to preserve for public benefit, education and enjoyment, the historical heritage of our community."  The Society wants to preserve history, not sell it.  The Society does plan to sell souvenir and promotional items however, which may or may not include reproductions or facsimiles of historical items.