The idea of this organization was the vision of Lester and Jeanne Rentmeester, life long residents of the Village of Howard and authors of several books about the community.  Michelle Olman and Mary Kay Lynch contacted the State Historical Society and both Village Boards about this idea and a foundational meeting was held on April 21, 2005, at which 16 people attended.  Those attending included: Michelle Olman, Mary Kay Lynch, Dan Weyenberg, Geri Corbielle, Ellery Gulbrand, Barb Rodaer, Ron Rodaer, Loren Olejniczak, Lenore Olejniczak, Jean Frey, Dolores Lass, Melissa Rusk, Rosella Sconzert, Jerry Steffen, Carlene Felmer and Nancy O'Kelley.

 

By-laws were adopted on July 7, 2005, and officers were elected on August 1, 2005.  The officers included Dan Weyenberg as President, Melissa Rusk as Vice President, Joy Schabow as Secretary, and Nancy O'Kelley as Treasurer.  We became officially incorporated with the State of Wisconsin on November 21, 2005.  The organization was federally approved for non-profit status 501C(3) on February 28, 2007.