Historical Society Fundraising Ideas

Historical Societies are dedicated to preservation and education. They throw a fundraiser to save historical landmarks and return them to their former glory. They also raise money to educate their community about its past, its place in history and of important historical event that happened right there in their own hometown. Fundraising is challenging, but also rewarding.

One of the biggest decisions is often deciding what type of fundraiser to do. The Historical Society of the Nyacks, in New York, holds an annual yard sale fundraiser in South Nyack. In Michigan, the Milford Historical Society holds an annual Spring Tea fundraiser. Fundraisers by other Historical Societies include dinners, casino nights, auctions, folk festivals, antique fairs, raffles, book fairs, product sales, and walking tours.

Check out our complete list of fundraising products and do-it-yourself fundraising ideas for your next historical society fundraiser.

Pretzel Rods 970×90

Do-It-Yourself Historical Society Fundraiser

You can also choose from a wide variety of historical society DIY fundraising ideas to supplement your program. How about Poker Run, Dining in the Dark, Crock Pot Cook-off, Children’s Cook Book, or thons of every type? Perhaps one of these successful and creative ideas can be adapted for your historical society fundraiser.

Cobweb Chase – This fundraising idea is to search out historical buildings or homes in an area. Map the course and take a bus load or two of people to visit these places. A tour inside is a must and get permission of course. You either get a spokesperson to tell the history or search it yourself if no one else is available. Have a bus commentator, preferably someone who knows the area and some history. Read more…

Clean Up – Clean up after Independence Day fire works displays, auto races, dog shows, etc. Often the organizers of these events will pay an amount of money to another organization for their volunteers to do the clean-up. Church youth groups have had fundraising success with cleaning up Fall leaves in yards for a donation to the organization. Read more…

House Numbers – For this fundraising idea, paint street numbers on curbs in front of houses. Using a cardboard cutout, paint a dark rectangular background on the curb. After it dries, paint the house number in reflective paint. Before you start, contact the Licensing and Permit section of your local municipality to see if a permit is required. Ask the local police and/or fire departments if they have any special advice/guidelines regarding the project. Read more…