CUBA CITY—To bring awareness to the rapidly-progressing U.S. Presidential Museum proposed for Cuba City, the steering committee has organized a kick-off event featuring a concert and fireworks.
On Saturday, Sept. 2, at Splinter Park, a free concert will be held from 6-9 p.m. Music will be provided by Scott Layde starting at 6 p.m. Free face painting by Karen Busch will be available for youth from 6-7 p.m. Then, at approximately 7:15 p.m., a brief ceremony will be held where several Cuba City community organizations will present donations to the U.S. Presidential Museum.
Food, beverages and beer will be available for purchase during the entire event.
When it gets dark, fireworks will be set off near the city limits at the south side of Cuba City and should reach approximately 300 feet above, providing visible fireworks for most of the city, especially Splinter Park. The fireworks have been donated by Matt Schweigert of Schweigert Family Farms, a board member for the U.S. Presidential Museum.
Plans for a presidential-themed museum have been in the works for more than a year. The steering committee has now started fundraising efforts with donation buckets in local businesses and presentations made to local service organizations.
The U.S. Presidential Museum is being pursued to attract tourists and provide an economic boost to the community. The presidential theme was chosen for a number of reasons, especially because it supports the city’s motto, “City of Presidents.” It would be the only museum in the United States that features all 45 presidents. Also, history is a strong tourism draw to the area as five past presidents have made their homes within a four-hour drive of Cuba City.
The museum would feature artifacts borrowed from other museums and private collections. Two United States presidents—one from the modern era and one from earlier years—would be featured on a rotating basis. The museum would also have interactive computer displays with information on all of the presidents. A gift shop featuring souvenirs would also be located at the museum.
There is no specific location determined for the presidential museum, although several options are being considered.
The group hopes to raise $125,000 by January. Donations will be pursued through grants, fundraising events, donation buckets located in local businesses and private donations from businesses, organizations and individuals. To make a donation, send checks payable to Cuba City Presidential Museum, Inc., to 108 N. Main St., Cuba City, WI 53807.
“Donations are always welcome,” Cuba City Economic Development Director Bob Jones said.
The committee has formed a non-profit entity, developed a business plan and began fundraising with the formation of a board of directors.
With the support of donors and volunteers, the museum could be operating as early as May 2019.
To make this possible, the steering committee is seeking volunteers for a number of committees as well as the board of directors. To be a part of this project, contact:
- Bob Jones, 608-744-2152, cubacitycdc@gmail.com
- Donna Rogers, 563-599-0098, rogersdmr51@gmail.com
- Connie Gronemus, 608-744-2480, cgronemus@cubacity.org
- Ruth Ann Summers, 608-744-2629, summers@laagrant.net
The mission of the presidential museum is: “To preserve and share Cuba City history as well as the legacy of all the U.S. presidents with the purpose of attracting, educating and inspiring the public.”
