Save the Swedish Pavilion

The Problem

An engineering assessment in October 2023 found that the museum’s 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion is leaning by up to 2 degrees, which is considered severe “racking” and visible even to untrained observers. This structural failure would lead to collapse with the wrong set of circumstances. With this information, the museum Board of Directors chose to close the Pavilion until repairs could be finished.

Museum staff also has noted that the current more than 30-year-old asphalt roof (which is not historically accurate) is starting to show serious signs of its age. There are often leaks after heavy rain or snow.

THE SOLUTION

The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum has received $166,600 in Community Service Program (CSP) Tax Credits through the Kansas Department of Commerce. The available tax credits will be used to enhance fundraising efforts for the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion Restoration & Improvement Project.

Awarded nonprofits were chosen through a competitive application process. State tax credits reduce the total amount of taxes owed to the state. They are a way for taxpayers to substantially reduce the cost of contributing to the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum.

These credits are expected to raise $238,000 in donations, which will fully cover critical stabilization repairs to prevent the possibility of a catastrophic collapse of the historic structure. 

It will also partially cover the cost of a new pavilion roof that will prevent leaks and be more historically accurate. An additional “Raise the Roof” fundraising campaign beyond the CSP tax credits will be necessary to install the new roof, with the additional amount needed to be determined.

Donation commitments under tax credit program grant - $150,384.25!
Percentage of tax credits grant used 63%

Remaining donation capacity under grant – $86,541.75

How You Can Help

Potential donors who want to give to the preservation project to save the Swedish Pavilion and receive tax credits can do so now. Credits will be allotted to donors to the project on a “first come, first served” basis.

The sooner that donations under the project are received, the sooner contractors can begin the repair work to the Swedish Pavilion. After stabilization repairs are completed, the Pavilion will again be open to the public.

Businesses and individuals subject to Kansas income tax are eligible to receive a tax credit through this program. Donors giving at least $250 to the Pavilion Restoration & Improvement Project may qualify for a 70% tax credit. For example, a donor making a $1,000 gift receives a $700 tax credit when they file their state taxes, making the net cost to the donor only $300.

If you or your business are interested in donating to the Pavilion Restoration & Preservation Project, please reach out to museum staff using the form below, by emailing info@oldmillmuseum.org, or by calling 785-227-3595 for full details on how to donate under the project.