Where There’s a Will…there will be another day for the DCHS
By Tony Tracy
As a non-profit organization, the Douglas County Historical Society (DCHS) relies heavily on the generosity of its members, sponsorships and donations from businesses and individuals, and funding from both Douglas County and the City of Superior.
The Webster Chair Factory display at the DCHS. You have probably heard about them, come and see our many examples of the 900 different styles of chairs once produced by the Webster Chair Factory. WCF once employed 500 citizens of the Twin Ports and supplied 7000 chairs for the 1892 Republican National Convention.
Another way that individuals can give to DCHS is through a bequest in your Will designating a portion of your estate’s value, a percentage of investments, or even that chair from the Webster Chair Factory that you always loved.
The history lovers of Douglas County who have remembered us in their Wills have benefited us in many ways, helping build and maintain our collection and providing indispensable support for exhibits, conservation efforts and educational activities.
If you are interested in continuing to support our works just ask your attorney to include a bequest in your Will. If you don’t want to do an entire re-work of your will you can also attach a Codicil, which is an addition or supplement that explains the bequest which will modify the will.
By doing this, you are in full control and can be specific with dollar amounts, a percentage of value or whether it be a tangible asset such as personal property, securities or even real estate. You also benefit from being able to have your assets during your lifetime while knowing that they will be given to whom you have selected.
Since the DCHS is a 501(c) (3) non-profit, 50% of the value of your donation is deductible and you will also have tax relief when the estate is distributed.
No one likes to think about our mortality, however if you have been a member, or just love the work that the Douglas County Historical Society has done in the past, knowing that you could help continue that work into the future could be just what you need to enjoy a stress-free life with the assurance that your final wishes will be followed.
Tony Tracy
Tony Tracy is the Executive Director of the Douglas County Historical Society and can be reached at (715) 392-8449 or by email at tonyt@douglashistory.org. The Mission of the DCHS is to collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit artifacts, archival materials and photographs of the cultural, social and political history of the people and communities of Douglas County, Wisconsin.
