Republic Historical Society approved to raise funds for possible new museum

The Republic Historical Society has received state-level approval to raise funds for a new museum and event center on Main Street, Republic. The new building, which is also planned to include a full-service coffee shop, will cost just under $4 million.
In order to cover the cost of this great endeavor, the Republic Historical Society will raise money through grants and public fundraising, according to Terry Mooneyham, president of the society. One of the grants helping to make possible this nearly $4 million dream is the neighborhood assistance program, which allows for potential donors to receive a 50 percent credit toward their Missouri tax liability. But grants alone will not be enough, said Mooneyham.
“Grants alone are insufficient to build a nonprofit project as large as ours because they are often restrictive, temporary, and highly competitive,” said Mooneyham. “A successful project requires a diverse funding strategy that includes grants but also incorporates other reliable revenue streams. We are raising funds from individual donations and fundraisers and working to show local businesses the benefits to the community of participating in being a partner in this ambitious goal.”
Though construction will not begin for another two years according to Mooneyham, there is still the issue of how the society will come up with the money to maintain such a large venue, one that will be able to accommodate 130 guests. Mooneyham said that to keep the museum in operation, they will utilize the money flowing in from the in-house coffee shop and event center.
“We have incorporated income-producing space in our design,” said Mooneyham. “A much-needed event center will accommodate up to 130 guests with catering space and audio/visual equipment and will open onto a park-like setting through French doors, making this a special gathering place for family events, reunions and meetings. In addition to the event center, we have space planned for a coffee shop, again a much-needed venue downtown. This will be offered to a local entrepreneur and will be a true gathering place for friends, old and new. These venues will provide the financial support for operating expenses of a building this size.”
At the end of the day though, this project is for the city of Republic and its history.
“We feel that building a history museum for local artifacts, research and displays, along with the event center and coffee shop, will benefit the Republic community in many ways,” said Mooneyham. “The museum will showcase our rich history and be a place for shared stories, memories and experiences. Our Republic Tiger Sports History Room will showcase generations of Republic School sports. Sure to be one of our most loved areas of the museum. This builds a strong sense of community ownership and pride. Genealogists will travel to visit our research room that will house our growing collection of information for area families. This will be a gathering place, a community hub for all ages. The museum will be the cornerstone of Main Street’s revitalization and bring an economic benefit to many in our city.”