"Raise the roof" on the Swedish Pavilion
You did it!
Thanks to your donations, we have been able to raise the $151,500 needed to make the structural repairs to prevent the catastrophic collapse of the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion.
Thank you!
The repairs were completed Summer 2025.
Now to the next important challenge: Raising a (new, more historically accurate) roof over the Swedish Pavilion. Read more below about how you can help to RAISE THE ROOF!
The Problem
The museum’s 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion currently has a more than 30-year-old asphalt roof (which, additionally, is not historically accurate) that is starting to show serious signs of its age.
There are often leaks after heavy rain or snow, threatening the long-term viability of the 121 year old structure.
THE SOLUTION
The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum received Community Service Program (CSP) Tax Credits through the Kansas Department of Commerce. The tax credits enhanced fundraising efforts for the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion Restoration & Improvement Project.
The more than $240,000 raised fully covered $151,500 of critical stabilization repairs to prevent the possibility of a catastrophic collapse of the historic structure, which was the most pressing concern.
The approximately $90,000 remaining will cover approximately half of a new pavilion roof that will prevent leaks and be more historically accurate. Current plans are to re-roof the Pavilion with composite Brava “Spanish Barrel” tile roofing in antique clay color. The remaining cost of replacement will require additional donations beyond what was available under the tax credits.
Closely matching the original style of the Pavilion when built in 1904, the composite tiles will have all the beauty and warmth of traditional clay material, but with less weight and a significantly longer expected lifespan – on the order of up to up to half a century with inherent UV protection to prevent degradation and the ability to withstand winds of 188 mph or more.
Additional fundraising beyond the CSP tax credits will be necessary to install the new roof. The amount needed to replace the roof currently has a rough estimate of about $175,000.
(If you do the math on the information with the bar chart below, you might notice it adds up to more than $238,000. This is because of some generous donors who gave to the Pavilion project even though their donation amount amount didn’t qualify for the tax credit.)
Remaining donation capacity under grant – $0!
How You Can Help
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 to the project.
Beyond the tax credit funding opportunity, we still need additional contributions to complete the Phase 2 roofing portion of the project – currently estimated to have a price tag of more than $175,000. We are pleased to offer special recognition rewards for donors to the Phase 2 “Raise the Roof” campaign.
1) All donations of $100 or more will receive an invitation to a VIP recognition reception to celebrate the new roof, as well as listing on our website and in the reception program.
2) Donations of $1,000 or more will receive the VIP invitation and program listing AND recognition on a special “Honor Wall” to be placed in the Swedish Pavilion. For every $1,000 donated, you will have the option for a custom 3D-printed “roof tile,” a ¼ scale replica of the actual “Brava” tiles that will be used on the roof. It’s the perfect way to have a lasting testament to your personal love of history and Swedish culture, to put up a permanent message in memory of a loved one, or to recognize a special event in your life – such as a new baby, milestone birthday, or anniversary.
To take advantage of this special opportunity, please contact one of us on staff at 785-227-3595 or oldmillmuseum@gmail.com. We will be happy to assist you with customizing your tile or to answer any questions you may have. You can also use the form HERE and send it to us via email or regular mail to:
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum
PO Box 94
Lindsborg, KS 67456
You can have up to three lines and up to 12 characters per line on your custom tile. A sample picture is below.
