The Douglas County Historical Society is on its way back to financial health, thanks to increasing income and holding the line on expenses.
The society's income so far this year is more than $60,000 higher than at the same time in 2003, though expenses gained as well. So far, the society's budget shows a net gain of $16,484.
At the beginning of the year the historical society, which oversees Watkins Community Museum of History, 1047 Mass., had projected a year-end deficit of more than $36,000.
"The year started off looking pretty bleak," said Jerry Niebaum, historical society board chairman. "Our thoughts were to hold expenses and increase income, and the good news is we've been able to do both."
The historical society released its financial figures for the year from January to September during its annual dinner meeting Tuesday night at the Dole Institute of Politics on Kansas University's west campus.
A two-phased fund-raising campaign has brought pledges of $68,000, and more is expected, Niebaum said.
Niebaum also expressed hope that some day additional space would be found to allow more museum items to be displayed.
"We have some wonderful treasures we cannot display because we don't have room for them," he said.
Museum director Rebecca Phipps described 2004 as a "whirlwind year" with numerous activities taking place in conjunction with Lawrence's sesquicentennial celebration as well as other events.
Collections at the museum are increasing, and several grant allocations were taken advantage of last year, Phipps said.
In 2005 new programs and exhibits, such as a collection of wedding dresses, and walking tours are planned, Phipps said.
New board members also were elected. They are Napoleon Crews, Charles Derby, Bennett Griffin, Phil Humphrey, Ralph King, Jim Martin, Bill Myers, Steve Sublett and Lynne Zollner.
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