News
2023 News
May 23, 2023
May 18, 2023
The Kansas Department of Commerce has selected the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum as one of just 18 recipients of a SPRINT tourism grant, out of 228 applications.
The museum will receive a quarter-million-dollar grant through the State Park Revitalization and Investment in Notable Tourism (SPRINT) program, which earmarked $30 million to address the effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on the Kansas tourism economy.
At the museum, the staff is still choosing exactly which projects in the original application will be prioritized to be funded with the $250,000, but improvements in security, safety, accessibility, and preservation of museum buildings are top of the list.
Executive Director Lenora Lynam said there are plenty of projects that need work.
“Our total application was in the millions for a long list of important projects, so we won’t be struggling to put this grant to good use right away – as large and as generous as it is,” Lynam said. “We’re tremendously honored and thankful to be selected for this grant. In making some of the hard choices in front of us now, our goal is to prioritize improving the visitor experience and to preserve our historic treasures.”
Projects may include installation of a new museum security system, adding insulation to the museum’s 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion, upgrading baseboard heating in the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills building to be more efficient, and improving ADA accessibility to museum attractions.
According to a news release from the Kansas Department of Commerce announcing the grants, visitors to Kansas create a total annual economic benefit of $11.2 billion and employ 85,000 citizens, but levels of tourism still haven’t fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. In awarding the grants, 90% of the funds went to six recipients, with the remaining 10% (or $3 million) going to another dozen institutions, including the Lindsborg Old Mill.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said these grant awards were an important investment.
“A thriving tourism sector is critical for the Kansas economy,” Governor Kelly said. “These grants enhance attractions that draw visitors to the state and showcase what makes Kansas a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
May 3, 2023
The 125th anniversary of the Old Mill and its celebration at Millfest is getting a fair bit of media attention!
Ad Astra Radio interviewed about Millfest in a 10-minute interview you can listen to HERE.
“Where’s Shane?” from KWCH featured Millfest on May 2. You can see pictures and watch video taken while each live segment was happening at the Facebook album HERE.
Less directly related to Millfest, but featuring the museum, Seth of “Wandermore” made sure that the museum was a featured part of his visit to Lindsborg on his quest to visit every incorporated city in Kansas! His Lindsborg visit was also covered by KWCH in Wichita!
April 28, 2023
In the last six months, the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum has been on an impressive run of securing grant funding for critical repairs and restoration to its 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills and 1904 Worlds Fair Swedish Pavilion buildings – about $120,000 in funding.
On April 28, however, the museum and the McPherson County Community Foundation announced a single grant that’s more than all of those combined – $162,810 from the David J. Nutt Fund.
This large grant will go entirely to restoration of the Swedish Pavilion.
Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director, said it will cover two aspects – windows and painting – not only repairing the peeling exterior and disintegrating windows, but also restoring them to a more historically accurate state.
“The project will cover a redo of the windows of the Swedish Pavilion to the original design of ‘top pivot’,” she said. “And then we have the repainting of the entire building exterior.”
Currently, the pavilion has “drop” style windows, which were a later departure from the original 1904 architecture. As the windows have deteriorated, the resulting gaps have let in the cold and pest species such as wasps.
The restored paint will also return the nearly 120-year-old building to its original “Swedish Yellow” exterior.
“It’s in dire need,” de Filippis said. “Especially the windows, it’s not weatherproof anymore, so it really needs some repair.”
Executive Director Lenora Lynam said that everyone involved with the museum is sincerely thankful for the generous grant.
“This need isn’t just an aesthetic improvement or a ‘would-be-nice’ cosmetic coat of paint,” she said. “It was truly nearing the point where it was a question of whether this rare building could continue to stand and remain open to the public. It would have been a truly tragic loss, but thanks to this grant, we’ve taken many large steps back from the risk of falling off that cliff. This will mean the Pavilion is preserved and improved for years to come.”
The David J. Nutt Fund is named after the Lindsborg resident who passed away in 2017 and whose namesake provides grant funds for charitable causes located in Lindsborg. The fund has supported more than 100 programs and organizations in Lindsborg since its establishment with $1.35 million to the community across half a decade.
April 28, 2023
The Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate unanimously passed two resolutions on April 26 that recognized the 125th anniversary in 2023 of the Smoky Valley Roller Mills building in Lindsborg, Kansas.
Rep. Les Mason sponsored House Resolution 6021, while Sen. Rick Wilborn sponsored Senate Resolution 1721.
Representing the museum in Topeka to accept the presentation of the resolutions were Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director; and Kirsten Bruce, Board of Directors President.
In introducing the resolution, Rep. Mason described how he spent most of his professional life in milling and related industries (in fact, he was the founding owner of The Old Muffin Company when it was created in McPherson, Kansas, and the museum still carries mixes by the company in its gift shop today), and so he was honored to sponsor the resolution.
“This mill reflects the craftsmanship and technologies of the late 19th century that continued into the 20th century,” he said. “The steps for producing flour have not changed. Today’s mills simply use an updated version of the machines in the Smoky Valley Roller Mill. At the time this mill was built, almost 500 mills were in operation across the state. Now there are about a dozen. Few historic mills have survived. The Smoky Valley Roller Mill is a rare exception.”
He celebrated the positive effect the mill and museum have on area tourism and said that he plans to attend Millfest on May 6 this year.
Pracht said that the museum was honored and greatly appreciate this recognition from both lawmaking houses of the State of Kansas.
“This is a significant milestone year for us,” Pracht said, “So it’s not a trivial matter that our state lawmakers took time out of their busy schedules to highlight what a unique treasure we have here on the banks of the Smoky Hill River.”
Smoky Valley Roller Mills has been on the National Register of Historic Places for half a century and is the only historic mill in the Midwest with roller mill technology that still functions. Rep. Mason addressed the mill’s unique place as a historical artifact in presenting the resolution.
“This is the oldest roller mill still standing in Kansas and the only one with all of its original equipment still in place,” he said. “It has been not only preserved, but fully restored to operating condition and is capable of producing flour at any time. It represents the transition to modern milling in Kansas and the United States, that transition being the change from grinding with stone to grinding with corrugated steel rolls.”
Professional volunteer millers help the museum staff to have the mill running again at the annual Millfest event – always held on the first Saturday in May. This year is set to be the largest-ever for the museum, with more vendors and demonstrations than ever before, live tours of the mill machinery in action, and a special anniversary ceremony scheduled for 1:30 p.m. during Millfest.
Millfest is 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum – 120 E. Mill St., Lindsborg, Kansas.
Significant sponsorship for Millfest has been provided by:
- Ehmke Seed – Healy, Kansas
- 350 Degrees, LLC – Lindsborg, Kansas
- The Bank of Tescott – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Casey’s General Store – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Dröm Sött Inn – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Farmers Alliance insurance – McPherson, Kansas
- Farmers State Bank – Lindsborg, Kansas
- First Bank Kansas – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Hemslöjd – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Kansas Wheat – Manhattan, Kansas
- Lindsborg Community Hospital – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Main Street Galleria and Studio, Lindsborg, Kansas
- Murphy’s Law, LLC – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Peoples Bank and Trust – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Small World Gallery – Lindsborg, Kansas
April 17, 2023
With 2023 marking 125 years since the construction of the Smoky Valley Roller Mills in 1898, this year’s annual Millfest on May 6 is looking to be the best it’s ever been.
Held the first Saturday every May, Millfest is the one time every year that the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum turns on the antique machinery across the four floors of the mill and opens it up for guided tours.
Lenora Lynam, the museum Executive Director, said it’s a rare sight, especially since the Old Mill is the only working mill using 19th century roller mill technology in the Midwest.
“It’s noisy, the floors rumble, and the machines, gears, and belts spin, rattle, and shake at an unbelievable rate,” she said. “It really must be seen to be believed.”
In this milestone 125th anniversary year, most of the planned events to mark the occasion will be taking place during Millfest. In addition to music, food, and artistic demonstrations there will also be a special anniversary ceremony at 1:30 p.m. on the front porch of the museum.
The ceremony will begin with Soderstrom Elementary School students singing the unofficial “anthem” of Lindsborg – “Kära Lindsborg Mitt Hem” (Dear Lindsborg My Home)
Following will be comments from the museum Board of Directors, a descendant of a historical mill owner, government representatives in attendance, the President of the Smoky Valley Historical Association, and Executive Director Lynam.
There will then be a drawing for a special artwork (donated by the Main Street Galleria and Studio in Lindsborg) from among the guests who take paid for a tour of the mill in action. Closing the ceremony will be the Mayor of Lindsborg reading a special proclamation naming May 6 “Lindsborg Smoky Valley Roller Mills 125th Anniversary Day.”
Of course, the main attraction of the day will be guided tours of the Old Mill in action throughout the open hours of the museum during Millfest – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours costs $10 per person during Millfest, but all other museum attractions will be available by-donation. For safety reasons, tours are restricted to those 13 years old or older.
Music entertainment will be available on the museum front porch starting at 10 a.m. and running through 3 p.m. Folk musician Nile Johnson will perform at 10 a.m. and noon, while local group the Front Porch Pickers will take the porch stage at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. – following the special anniversary ceremony.
Otherwise, guests can enjoy activities throughout the day included in the “by-donation” admission. Starting at 10 a.m., guests can decorate their own Dala Horse – a traditional Swedish symbol and the most notable symbol of Lindsborg – as long as supplies last. Traditional stick-and-hoop races as well as other old-time games will be on the common area lawn of Heritage Square.
Performance of traditional Swedish dance will also be performed during Millfest by Lindsborg Folksdanslag around the Heritage Square maypole.
A quilt show from the McPherson Quilt Guild will be among the day’s 20 or more free demonstrations, as well as vendors with handmade items for sale – the most ever at Millfest! Watch hand-carving demonstrations, see how rope was traditionally made, talk with representatives of The Land Institute about perennial grains and agriculture, purchase a wide variety of original artwork, and more!
When it’s time for lunch, guests can purchase “smashburgers,” casseroles, soups, and more meal options from Smash N Stuff Grill and Catering out of Hutchinson or pick up a snack or WheatSnax or Dala gummy candy from the museum gift shop.
While in the gift shop, that’s also a great opportunity to pick up a memento of the special milestone day. In addition to the large selection of books, T-shirts, toys, handmade gifts, and souvenirs, the 125th anniversary also brings two special new items.
First, there will be a FREE “Est. 1898” vinyl sticker for each guest during Millfest, with a special 125th anniversary Old Mill design featured! (Available while supplies last.)
Millfest will also mark the first time that anyone will be able to pre-order the Old Mill 125th Anniversary commemorative coffee table book. This will be a full-color paperback book featuring a new narrative of the mill’s history as well as both historic and modern pictures of the mill and surrounding area. Measuring 6” by 9” and printed on high-quality 70-80 pound paper, it will have at least 64 pages and may end up being up to 128 pages in the final design.
As a special thank-you, anyone who orders during Millfest will also receive a collectible wooden bookmark with a wood-burned design, celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Old Mill (similar to the stickers, these will only be available while supplies last). Also, anyone who pre-orders before August 31, 2023 will receive a special discounted price of just $30! (After the pre-order period, the commemorative book will cost $35.)
Finally, Millfest will also be opening weekend for a new temporary exhibition in the main gallery of the museum. “Old Mill, New Life: Celebrating 125 Years of Lindsborg’s Historic Landmark” will follow the timeline of all historical mills on the museum site – going back to a grist mill built in 1872 – and their owners, as well as rare historical photos and narratives to read.
“There’s so much to do at this historic Millfest and for all kinds of interests,” Lynam said. “We really hope that our friends in the Smoky Valley, Kansas, and beyond come join us on May 6. We have so much to celebrate!”
Significant sponsorship for Millfest has been provided by:
- Ehmke Seed – Healy, Kansas
- 350 Degrees, LLC – Lindsborg, Kansas
- The Bank of Tescott – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Casey’s General Store – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Dröm Sött Inn – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Farmers Alliance insurance – McPherson, Kansas
- Farmers State Bank – Lindsborg, Kansas
- First Bank Kansas – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Hemslöjd – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Kansas Wheat – Manhattan, Kansas
- Lindsborg Community Hospital – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Main Street Galleria and Studio, Lindsborg, Kansas
- Murphy’s Law, LLC – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Peoples Bank and Trust – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Small World Gallery – Lindsborg, Kansas
Millfest 2023 – 125-Year Old Mill Celebration
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 6
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum
120 E. Mill St., Lindsborg
$10 / person tours of the Old Mill in operation (ages 13+).
Admission by donation to all other museum attractions.
Food for purchase from Smash N Stuff Grill and Catering from Hutchinson
Smashburgers, casseroles, soups and more!
Confirmed arts and crafts vendors and demonstrators:
- Art Prints by Acacia Pracht
- Basketweaving by Janie Tubbs
- Blacksmithing by Josh Womelsdorf
- Chainmail Jewelry & Decorative Objects by Amethyst Sankey
- Clay Pot Animals by Gwen’s Crafts (Gwen Brecheisen)
- Drawings by Pam Petico
- Goat Milk Soap & Lotion by Wind River Farms (Angela Price)
- Greenwood Spoon & Bowl Carving by Jerry & Ruperta Hammerton
- Hand-carving by Salina Area Woodcarvers
- The Land Institute
- Oil Paintings & Cards by Bill Brassea
- Origami Models by Eian Pracht
- Quilt Show by McPherson Quilt Guild
- Ropemaking by Dean Gripe
- Scrimshaw (bone engraving & carving) by Debra Duntz
- Heirloom grains and portable meadows mill in action by Stone and Sparrow Farm and Mill
- Vintage Tote Bags by Lori Rodgers
- Wichita Spinning Guild
- Wool Spinning by Anna Erickson & Laura Hultquist
The roller mill stands on the first floor of the historic Smoky Valley Roller Mills still run every year for Millfest on the first Saturday of May. Millfest in 2023 marks the 125th anniversary since the building was constructed in 1898.
(Photography by Taton Tubbs. Used with permission.)
March 15, 2023
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum will host “World’s Fair Remnants in Kansas,” a presentation and discussion by Thomas Prasch on Thursday, March 30 at 6 p.m. in the 1904 Swedish Pavilion, 120 E. Mill St.
All are invited to attend the free program. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
Ice cream cones. Ferris wheels. Hot dogs. Cotton candy. All these iconic items were first introduced at world fairs held in America. The very first international exposition, known commonly as a world’s fair, launched in London in 1851 at the Crystal Palace. Since then, innovations in architecture, engineering, foods, and futuristic visions have debuted at fairs across the globe, including ones held in the United States. Oftentimes lasting legacies remained, such as Seattle’s Space Needle, Forest Park in St. Louis, and the US Open site in New York. Surprisingly, Kansas, which has never hosted an international exhibition, is home to at least four striking legacies of significant world’s fairs. This talk will share the history and significance of international exhibitions worldwide and focus on the wonders held today in the towns of Lawrence, Lindsborg, and Wamego.
Thomas Prasch is a professor and chair of the History department at Washburn University.
“World’s Fair Remnants in Kansas” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
For more information about “World’s Fair Remnants in Kansas” in Lindsborg contact the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum at 785-227-3595 or visit www.oldmillmuseum.org.
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
February 9, 2023
The Heritage Trust Fund (HTF) announced on Saturday, February 4 that Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is receiving a grant of $87,350 to fund critical restoration to the historic 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills.
Lenora Lynam, Executive Director of the Museum, said the grant comes at the perfect time.
“With 2023 marking the 125th anniversary of the construction of the mill, this is a wonderful recognition of the Old Mill’s historical value,” Lynam said. “These funds provide essential support and will allow us to make important repairs to preserve this treasure on the Smoky Hill River.”
The state program under the Kansas Historical Society provides matching grants to help preserve historic locations in the state listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the Register of Historic Kansas Places.
The grant for the Old Mill was one of just seven selected in the 2023 annual awards, out of 36 proposals. HTF has proposed $637,796 in grant funding across the seven recipient projects, in the highly competitive process.
The HTF reimburses expenses for projects that preserve or restore historic properties. Qualifying expenses include professional fees and construction costs. Individual grant awards may not exceed $100,000 and must be matched at 20% by the grant recipient. For the museum, this match has already been secured as of early November 2022, with $20,000 of grants awarded through the McPherson County Community Foundation.
“I think the community foundation grants were really important in us being able to secure the Heritage Trust Fund grants named last weekend,” Lynam said. “It demonstrated to the HTF decision committee just how much local support is behind the museum, and their belief in our mission and ability to succeed in it.”
Together, the HTF grant and community fund grants will cover more than $100,000 in estimated repairs to the roller mills. The work includes repair to the mill’s upper exterior walls and the stone framing – called a “lintel” – along the top of the mill’s windows and one of its doors. After this work is completed, any necessary repainting of the words “1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills” on the top of the building’s front face will also be covered by the grant funds.
“This is a great day for the mill,” Lynam said. “We can’t thank the trust fund enough for this vote of support and confidence in our work.”
February 9, 2023
During the museum’s last community volunteer day in October, Kim Colby was trying to help paint the porch of the Swedish Pavilion at the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum.
He couldn’t.
It wasn’t for lack of trying, but as Colby tried to apply a fresh coat of paint, the boards turned to splinters beneath his brush.
“The porch is totally gone as far as decay,” he said later on in January 2023. “Even if you paint the top part, it’s pretty much a waste of money until you get in the foundation boards because of the rot there.”
Fortunately, the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation of San Francisco, Calif., has announced a new $20,000 grant to the museum, earmarked for a full repair of the badly deteriorating porch on the 119-year-old building.
Barbro Sachs-Osher, chair of the foundation, said that on the occasions she has visited Lindsborg, it felt like visiting Sweden itself, with a Dala horse around every corner. She said the museum had an important role in keeping Swedish traditions alive in the region, which is why they selected it for the grant.
“There is a Swedish legacy in Kansas and in Lindsborg in particular,” she said. “Without history, we are nowhere and this is an important legacy in the Midwest. When we were there, we were deeply touched by how you keep the Swedish history and legacy up to date in keeping the Swedish history of Lindsborg.”
Colby said it was great to know that the porch will be repaired with the grant. The next time he volunteers to paint on the pavilion, it should be to porch boards that are again strong, solid, and safer.
“I think it’s wonderful that there’s grants that cover this kind of thing and keep it in shape,” he said. “You’d hate to have to tear it down because you can’t afford to keep it up in good condition.”
Colby has lived in Lindsborg for six year and in Assaria before that. He has seen that Lindsborg cherishes and preserves its past, particularly at the museum and its many buildings.
“I’ve always really enjoyed it and liked it,” he said, “And I like the idea of keeping up the history.”
About the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation
Established in 1996, the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation provides support “to nonprofit organizations that benefit Swedish education, culture, and arts.” Sachs-Osher and her husband, Bernard, created the foundation. She is the Consul General for Sweden in San Francisco and is the former owner and publisher of “Vestkusten” – one of the few U.S.-based Swedish-American newspapers. She also founded the Swedish Women’s Educational Association chapter in San Francisco.
About the Swedish Pavilion
Designed by Ferdinand Boberg, one of Sweden’s premier architects at the turn of the century, the Swedish Pavilion is the only one of Boberg’s international exposition buildings in existence today. It is the only example of his work in the United States. It is also one of very few international buildings remaining from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.
At the close of the Fair, the Swedish Pavilion was purchased by W.W. Thomas, U.S. Minister to Sweden and Norway, and presented to Bethany College in Lindsborg as a memorial to his friend Carl Swensson who had died very suddenly in February 1904. It served as a classroom for domestic sciences, library, museum and home to the art department for more than 60 years under Swedish-born artist Birger Sandzen. In 1969 the Swedish Pavilion was moved from Bethany College to the museum. The building was entered onto the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
February 3, 2023
Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum has released its two-year strategic plan for 2023-2024, which will guide the staff and board of directors efforts for the near future. The full text of the plan is available embedded below.
January 18, 2023
The numbers have been tabulated and the results are clear: The Match Challenge to benefit the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum surpassed everyone’s hopes and expectations with total giving of $98,750.61 – just $1,249.39 shy of six-figures!
Lenora Lynam, Executive Director of the museum, said it was an outstanding way to wrap up 2022.
“We want to thank the anonymous donor behind the Match Challenge in December for their generosity and their very perceptive decision to connect their gift to donations and memberships from others,” Lynam said. “Not only have they put the museum on a solid foundation going into 2023, but they also revealed just how deep the roots of our support run in both the local community and farther abroad.”
The donor pledged to make a “double match” to one-time donations of any amount and a “triple match” to any new and renewing individual and family museum memberships made before the end of 2022.
It was a significant goal and a true challenge, but museum supporters stepped up in a big way. The full $50,000 of the challenge was secured on December 22, a full nine days before the end-of-year deadline.
Pleased with the success, the donor chose to present a further “Stretch Challenge” – $5,000 available in a one to one match for any new and renewing individual and family memberships before the end of the year.
Slightly more than a third of the Stretch Challenge was secured before the end of the year with additional membership. There were also many one-time gifts made – more than $15,000 – that hadn’t qualified for any other matching funds in December because the initial Match Challenge had already been met when they came in. To recognize this impressive level of overall giving, the donor opted to make their full $55,000 donation.
With the challenge wrapped up, then, here’s the full effect of the campaign:
- 122 Individuals, families, and organizations gave under the Match Challenge.
- The museum gained 29 individual memberships for $1,160.
- The challenge brought in 57 family memberships for $3,420.
- This more than tripled the number of museum memberships at the beginning of December.
- Total one-time donations came to $39,170.61.
- Combined with the $55,000 in Match Challenge funding from the anonymous donor, the total raised under the campaign was $98,750.61!
Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director, said she was impressed by how many people gave under the Match Challenge campaign, and by how much people gave.
“Our supporters were generous,” she said. “And we thank every one of you for answering this call in support of the museum and the treasures of history here.”
While the Match Challenge has ended, it’s still not too late to support the museum with one-time gifts at paypal.me/lindsborgoldmill or with an annual membership at www.oldmillmuseum.org/members.
The museum has two buildings on the National Register of Historic Places – the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion and the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills. In 2023, the mill building marks 125 years since its construction, and it still roars to life and runs again once per year the first Saturday in May for the museum’s annual Millfest.
The success of the Match Challenge is also helping to provide momentum into the next major goal under the museum’s 2023-2024 strategic plan: adding $1 million to the museum’s endowment fund. Achieving this vision will help provide significant, consistent income for the museum’s annual operating budget.
“The Match Challenge was a great success in an important milestone year,” Lynam said. “We still have a long journey ahead of us in ensuring the future of these wonderful buildings. We hope that our supporters will continue to answer the call to keep us standing tall and to spread the word about what we have to offer.”
2022 News
Update (January 6, 2023):
The Stretch Challenge reached 36% secured before the end of 2022.
Although some qualifying gifts under the match challenge may still be coming in, here are the current totals:
Total from donors: $40,943.48
Total secured from match gifts: $51,820
Total giving in campaign: $92,763.48
Update (December 22, 2022):
Thanks to generous support from 74 distinct gifts from individuals, families, and organizations, museum supporters have successfully met the $50,000 Match Challenge!
While Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director, thanked everyone who donated to make the achievement possible, Lenora Lynam, the museum’s Executive Director, offered a special message of gratitude.
“We would like to send a sincere thank you to our anonymous donor for making this a very Merry Christmas for us,” she said in a video that museum staff released on social media on Thursday evening.
Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director, also announced in the video that the donor – upon learning of the challenge’s success – has chosen to keep the momentum going with a $5,000 Stretch Challenge!
Focusing specifically on encouraging additional museum memberships before the end of 2022, the Stretch Challenge will match 1 to 1 all new and renewing individual and family memberships made by the end of business on December 31, effectively doubling the value of each membership to the museum.
Museum memberships can be purchased online at www.oldmillmuseum.org/members or by calling 785-227-3595 (Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Meeting the $50,000 Match Challenge took giving of $23,723 from the community of museum supporters (comprised of $520 in individual memberships, $2,040 in family memberships, and $21,160 in one-time donations). This resulted in total overall giving to the museum of $73,720 from the Match Challenge!
Watch KWCH-TV’s coverage of this story on December 5, 2022.
December 2, 2022
An anonymous donor is putting $50,000 on the table to encourage others to give to Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum before the end of 2022.
Lenora Lynam, Executive Director, said she is thankful for the unexpected gift from an area Smoky Valley resident. Lynam called on those who care about the museum to give generously to meet the donor’s year-end challenge.
“This is a big deal, and this is a fitting way to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the mill in 2023,” Lynam said, “But it is going to take many more generous people to ensure we don’t leave any part of this large gift unclaimed. Right now is the best time to give and help ensure the future of the museum and its treasures.”
The generous commitment means that now until December 31, donations of any amount will receive a “double match” under the terms of the donor’s challenge gift.
So, for example, a one-time gift of $100 before December 31 will secure $200 from the donor, for $300 total to the museum.
People can make their year-end gift to the museum go even farther, however, with a special “triple match” on new or renewing individual and family museum memberships for 2023.
This means that someone purchasing a 2023 individual membership at $40 will secure $120 from the donor – for $160 total.
Purchasing a family membership at $60 will guarantee a whopping $180 from the matching funds – or a total of $240!
Memberships can be purchased online at www.oldmillmuseum.org/members, by calling 785-227-3595, or by check or cash in person at the museum – 120 Mill St. in Lindsborg.
Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director, described the benefit of giving under the match challenge another way.
“It means that every donation before the end of the year stretches incredibly far,” he said. “Our donor is essentially making it so that every dollar of a one-time donation is worth three dollars to the museum. It’s even more amazing for encouraging memberships!”
Pracht explained that every time someone purchases their 2023 anniversary-year museum membership before the end of the year, it basically will have a quadruple effect, equal to four new 2023 annual memberships. That is, one for the actual museum member, and then the dollar value of three memberships from the anonymous donor.
Guaranteeing the full challenge gift will require any combination of total one-time donations of $25,000; or individual and family memberships totaling just a bit more than $16,600.
Ensuring the entire $50,000 gift is secured before the end of the year represents a massive step toward the preservation and growth of the historic buildings of the museum – which include the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills, the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion, and an 1870 homestead cabin.
Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director, expressed her gratitude for the donor’s generosity and leadership with this gift.
“This is amazing news,” she said. “Apart from the dollar amount, what is wonderful about this challenge is that it allows all of our community supporters to show how much they value the museum. No matter your means, no matter how much you can give, this allows you to make a difference!”
November 2, 2022
Two grants from the McPherson County Community Foundation will help Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum to make critical repairs to the Old Mill.
“We’re thankful that the foundation is recognizing the value of the mill and museum to this community and its heritage,” said Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director of the museum. “These are valuable steps to making sure the mill stays strong.”
More than $100,000 of estimated repairs are urgently needed to preserve and protect the Smoky Valley Roller Mills, which in 2023 will celebrate 125 years since its construction.
This work includes repairing brick and mortar on exterior walls, protecting the mill’s foundation with better water remediation and drainage, and replacing deteriorated boards in the scale house that were a safety hazard to guests.
The McPherson County Community Foundation awarded $10,000 in a general grant, as well as a $10,000 Lindsborg David Nutt Grant, named after the Lindsborg resident who passed away in 2017 and whose namesake provides grant funds for charitable causes located in Lindsborg.
The museum has also recently applied for a Heritage Trust Fund (HTF) grant from the Kansas Historical Society for the mill repairs. The HTF grant requires 20% matching funds, which the $20,000 from the foundation is intended to cover.
October 26, 2022
Music by the Mill on October 22 well exceeded its fundraising goal and brought in a crowd of more than 60 people to enjoy a concert from Old Man Lingonberry and food from La Jefa Mexicana.
Between direct freewill donations, new annual memberships, and gift shop sales, about $1,300 came in to Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum in Lindsborg from the event. As guests departed for the evening, many commented on the beautiful weather, a fun and upbeat performance, and their excitement about a growing and active museum in the community.
The dollars are earmarked to help with critical repairs to the historical Smoky Valley Roller Mills. These include repairing brick and mortar on exterior walls, protecting the mill’s foundation with better water remediation and drainage, and replacing deteriorated boards in the scale house that were a safety hazard to guests.
Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director at the museum, noted that it was a community effort that led to the mill’s preservation in the ’70s and ’80s. With the mill now operating as an independent nonprofit that is not under any city or county management, he said, it will again take a community showing they appreciate the value of the museum’s historical treasures.
“What was great about Music by the Mill tonight was seeing everyone getting excited about the museum again – or maybe discovering it for the very first time,” he said. “If this spirit continues to grow, there’s a great future ahead of us, but it’s going to take everyone doing their part.”
September 29, 2022
Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director, represented Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum on McPherson Chamber’s “Chamber Chat” segment on Thursday, September 29, talking about upcoming events and recent changes at the museum.
Our thanks to the chamber for featuring the museum and to Ad Astra Radio for supporting distribution of the segment.
The embedded audio player above features the full segment, provided by Ad Astra Radio and used by permission.
September 23, 2022
Digging into one’s genealogy can be like solving a mystery. Fortunately, a workshop in October can connect those interested in their Swedish roots with a few Sherlocks.
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum hosts a Swedish Virtual Genealogy Workshop with ArkivDigital four times per year, and the next opportunity will be 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 22.
Lenora Lynam, Executive Director of the museum, organizes the workshops and said she is excited about what the presenters in October will have to share.
“The resources attendees will learn about at the workshop are incredibly valuable, but often hard to find on your own, or difficult to navigate,” she said. “Many of the sources are mostly in Swedish! Our featured speakers are experts in these fields and can help guide people to learn so much more about their family history.”
Sessions will include learning how to research in Swedish-American church record books, looking up Swedish military records with new and better search tools, and understanding the U.S. naturalization process and the paper trails of family history left by that process.
Other sessions will help attendees discover additional research options when there are few available records and an introduction to DIS – a nonprofit dedicated to facilitating computer searches in genealogical research – and its digital database, DISBYT, that contains a wealth of Swedish genealogical information.
Three featured speakers will lead the sessions:
- Seema Kenney is an experienced software instructor and a professional genealogist, certified in Genealogical Research by Boston University.
- Kathy Meade is the North American representative for ArkivDigital AD AB (offering digital images of Swedish historical records) and has worked in Swedish genealogy for about 20 years. She serves on the advisory board for the Swedish American Genealogy Research Center at the Swedish American Museum in Chicago and volunteers helping with genealogical research at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library in Illinois.
- Eva Dahlberg is with Skåne and Norrbotten Research and is vice president of DIS computer genealogy society in Sweden.
Full details and a link to register are available at www.oldmillmuseum.org/events/#genealogy. Registration is just $50, but is limited to 100 attendees.
September 21, 2022
Music lovers, history enthusiasts, and community supporters will love the new FUNdraiser at the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum on Saturday, October 22.
“Music by the Mill” is a new fall event featuring great music, delicious food, and the opportunity to support community heritage going back more than a century.
Local Lindsborg band Old Man Lingonberry will be the featured entertainment at Music by the Mill, to be held 4-6 p.m. by the Smoky Hill River and the museum’s historic 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mill.
With genre-crossing influences for a wide, family-friendly appeal, Old Man Lingonberry is Tyler Atkinson, Taton Tubbs, Tyler Tubbs, and Jesse Crawford.
Taton Tubbs, who plays percussion and sings for Old Man Lingonberry, said they cover songs in genres including Americana, folk, bluegrass, hip hop, funk, rock, and grunge.
“It’s always a fun challenge to take a song like ‘Purple Rain’ and turn it into an alt country cover,” he said. “Mostly we just play music we enjoy, and so far other people seem to be enjoying it also.”
Videos of their past performances are available at www.facebook.com/oldmanlingonberry.
Taton Tubbs said they were excited to receive the invitation to be the featured entertainment.
“We just love getting to share our music with folks,” he said, “And to be able to do it in a fun, picturesque, and relaxed setting is even better.”
While taking in the tunes, guests can enjoy mouth-watering, authentic Mexican food – tacos, tortas, quesadillas, and burritos – from the La Jefa Mexicana food truck!
No ticket or admission fee is required, but freewill donations are encouraged. All proceeds will go to the continuing support and maintenance of the museum. In addition to the roller mill, centerpiece attractions also include the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion, an 1870 homestead cabin (one of the first above-ground structures in the area), and McPherson County’s first courthouse – called Sweadal.
Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director, said Music by the Mill will be a fun way to show support for the heritage of the Smoky Valley and Kansas.
“We want to invite everyone to come celebrate with us,” de Filippis said. “The museum and river is a beautiful place that will be filled with beautiful music. We can’t wait to see the community come together and support this incredible treasure.”
September 9, 2022
The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is asking the community for ideas for how to honor a more than 100-year-old elm tree on museum grounds that has to be removed, as well as putting out a special call for assistance in covering the unexpected expense.
Lenora Lynam, Executive Director of the museum, said that removing the tree is the last thing the museum wants to do, but that there is little choice.
“It is this beautiful, grand tree with almost as many years of history as the roller mill itself,” Lynam said. “But it’s dying from Dutch Elm Disease, and leaving it up could put other trees in the community at risk.”
Dutch Elm Disease is caused by an invasive fungus and carried from tree to tree by elm bark beetles. The leaves of infected trees turn yellow, wilt, and brown – ultimately killing the tree. In the United States, an estimated 40 million trees have been killed by the disease.
In the case of the museum’s tree, the disease progressed quickly and means removal will need to happen quickly – both to prevent spread of the disease and to prevent falling dead limbs from damaging the museum building. Removal is expected to happen over the weekend, September 10 or 11.
With the removal, the museum is also asking for help in two areas from supporters and community members.
First, they are holding a special fundraising campaign to help defray the approximately $3,000 unbudgeted cost of the tree’s removal. Those who are wanting to give should go to www.paypal.com/paypalme/lindsborgoldmill to make a one-time gift (and indicate “Tree Removal” in the description) or visit www.facebook.com/oldmillmuseumlindsborg and follow the “Donate” link on the post about the tree’s removal.
Second, the museum would like for the removed wood to not go to waste and for at least part of it to memorialize the long-lived tree. Those who have creative and meaningful ideas for how the elm wood could be used – so long as the use will not risk further spread of Dutch Elm Disease – should send the suggestion to info@oldmillmuseum.org or call 785-227-3595.
Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director of the museum, said they are also planning to plant a replacement tree near the elm after it is removed – most likely a Northern Red Oak, which will grow to have a similar look to the elm but is not vulnerable to Dutch Elm Disease.
“It will take time to grow,” de Filippis said. “But our hope is that in time it will become just as big and beautiful as this century tree we are having to remove.”
August 25, 2022
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is inviting the community to pick out some work clothes, roll up their sleeves, and come out on Saturday, October 1 to spruce up the museum’s buildings and grounds.
Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director, said this is a perfect opportunity to show support.
“We’re celebrating our 60th anniversary as a museum this year,” de Filippis said. “It’s a wonderful milestone, but it also reminds us of how important regular maintenance is to keep this place beautiful.”
The work day will run 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., but volunteers can come and go as their availability will allow. Meet at the main museum at 120 E. Mill St. in Lindsborg to volunteer.
Necessary work planned for the day will including organization and cleaning, landscaping, and fence repair, so please wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty or torn as part of the day’s work.
The museum will be providing refreshments to volunteers, as well as lunch for full-day workers. In order to plan accordingly, the museum is asking volunteers to please register with a quick survey at www.oldmillmuseum.org/events.
August 18, 2022
One of the region’s most beautiful and historic attractions has hired for two critical new positions, essential for the Old Mill Museum’s growth and development.
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum – located on the south end of town – has hired Caroline de Filippis as Community Development Director and Adam Pracht as Marketing and Communications Director. They both started on August 16, and join Executive Director Lenora Lynam for the museum’s full-time staff.
“I have enjoyed getting to know Lindsborg,” de Filippis said, “And am excited to be a part of keeping the history and heritage of Lindsborg thriving at the Old Mill.”
Caroline is passionate about the betterment of society through supporting individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. She has a background in communication marketing and sustainable development with experience working in the public and private sector. She holds a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability and a Master of Art in Communication Marketing.
She consults organizations part-time and is a member of the Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau committee. Originally from France, Caroline immigrated to the US via Scotland with her husband and son a year ago. In her free time, Caroline enjoys nature-based activities, reading, and experiencing and learning about the community.
Calling Lindsborg home since 2015, Adam Pracht brings to the Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum more than two decades of experience in marketing, public relations, finance, and communications.
“This is an exciting new adventure to start in this role for the museum,” Pracht said. “I’m looking forward to using my experience and expertise to benefit my hometown.”
He was a recipient of Robert F. Kennedy Award for writing about the disadvantaged while he pursued degrees in journalism and Spanish from the University of Kansas. He also holds a Master’s of Education in “Transformative Education: Higher Education Administration” from McPherson College, where his thesis was a comprehensive marketing plan for the college.
Most recently, he served as Marketing and Volume Purchasing Coordinator for Smoky Hill Education Service Center in Salina. He oversaw a complete brand redesign, including a new logo, and helped provide critical supplies to schools and non-profits through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. His current priority is getting community feedback and to start developing a detailed marketing and communications plan.
Pracht lives with his wife and three children at his Lindsborg home. In his spare time, he also works as an audio producer for the Escape Pod science fiction story podcast, where he has been part of a four-time Hugo Award-nominated team. He’s also an amateur wood carver, singer and musician, and photographer.
