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Osceola County Historical Society Inc.
4155 W. Vine Street
Kissimmee FL 34741
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Contact Information
Address 4155 W. Vine Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone (407) 396-8644 5
Fax (866) 929-5070
Email rachel@osceolahistory.org
Web and Social Media
Web Site http://osceolahistory.org
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Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek
Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek Aerial Shot
Mission
Mission
The Osceola County Historical Society collects and preserves the county's history, and provides educational, research and recreational opportunities to foster an understanding and enjoyment of the area's cultural and natural heritage through museum displays, demonstrations, interpretive programs, and special events for residents and visitors.
Leadership
CEO/Executive Director Donnita Dampier
Board Chair President Stacy McCland
Board Chair Company Affiliation Overstreet, Miles, Cumbie and Finkenbinder Law Firm
History
IRS Ruling Year 1990
Financial Summary
 
 
Projected Revenue $1,093,900.00
Projected Expenses $1,093,900.00
Statements
Mission
The Osceola County Historical Society collects and preserves the county's history, and provides educational, research and recreational opportunities to foster an understanding and enjoyment of the area's cultural and natural heritage through museum displays, demonstrations, interpretive programs, and special events for residents and visitors.
Impact

Accomplishments: The Osceola County Historical Society opened the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek in November 2014, and the grand opening coincided with their annual Pioneer Day celebration, with nearly 3000 residents and visitors in attendance. The organization also received two grants from the State Division of Cultural Affairs for $580,000 to continue the expansion of the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek. Attendance is up at both the Pioneer Village and Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum. The Narcoossee Chapter of the OCHS has gained momentum, having increased membership, as well as creating several fundraising activities in order to restore the 1886 schoolhouse. The chapter received a 2015-2016 grant from the State Division of Cultural Affairs for $26,500 to restore the schoolhouse. They also set up a one day Arts, Crafts and Farmers Market Day. Our annual fundraiser, Dine with the Departed was expanded,  with greater seating capacity,  raising the guest count to 200.

Goals: The top goal for the organization in the 2017-2018 fiscal year will be to complete the addition of a screened pavilion for programming at the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, as well as construct an additional replica 1800s structure to enhance programming at that facility. The replica structure will be a general store. The organization has increased its marketing efforts to attract more visitors, and is emphasizing community relevance with its outreach efforts. The organization will also diversify the programming offered this year, and is working to provide additional services to the Osceola County School District - specifically, the organization hopes to design and provide services to Osceola County literacy coaches.

 
Independent Research has been conducted on this organization's theory of change or program effectiveness? Under Development
Needs
1. The organization is in need of volunteers to assist with programming and operations at the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, the Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum, and the Spence Pavilion and Research Center. These volunteer needs include tour guides, gardeners, and living history re-enactors.
2.  The organization needs annual sponsors (at $5,000 or $10,000) for the Welcome Center and History Museum, as well as the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek. These annual sponsorships assist with programming and operations at these locations.
3. The organization is looking to increase its membership, and needs members from the $50 individual level to the $1,000 corporate level.
4.  The organization needs books for the literacy program it hopes to offer to Osceola County School District literacy coaches. The organization staff estimates that the financial need to cover the cost for these books will be $2,500.00
5. The organization needs volunteers to assist with the oversight of its archives and artifact storage facility. This location is in need of reorganization following the Osceola County Historical Society's recent expansion and relocation. 
Background Charles & Twylah Hartley of St. Cloud and Alma Heatherington of Kissimmee chartered the Osceola County Historical Society, October 29, 1949.  Beginning in the 1960's the society displayed artifacts and other historical items in a wing of the Osceola Center for the Arts building, located on Hwy 192 in Kissimmee. In 1991, The Osceola County Historical Society moved its collections to the former Spence Family property, who donated the 4 acres of land and their residence, located on Bass Road in Kissimmee. This move allowed for the Pioneer Village to be situated on the property, along with an indoor Museum. The Spence House donated with the property serves as OCHS's office and research facility. 
CEO Statement The Osceola County Historical Society (OCHS) is an ever-evolving organization lead by an enthusiastic team of Board Members, Staff, and Volunteers. Our mission is to preserve the unique history of Osceola County and to share that history in many diverse and engaging ways with the residents and visitors of our county. OCHS is the only organization whose sole mission is to preserve and protect our county’s past and our team takes that responsibility to heart. We take great pride in the organization's accomplishments and look forward to the challenges ahead.
NTEE Information
Primary Organization Type Arts,Culture & Humanities
Primary Organization SubType Museums
Secondary Organization Type Arts,Culture & Humanities
Tertiary Organization Type Arts,Culture & Humanities
Tertiary Organization SubType Arts Education
Areas Served
Geographic Areas Served
FL - Osceola
FL - Brevard
FL - Lake
FL - Orange
FL - Polk
FL - Seminole
FL - Volusia
The geographic area served is primarily Osceola County residents, ranging from children to seniors, including several cities and towns throughout the county. OCHS also serves geographic areas from around the country, even around the world, by targeting the large tourist population who visit the Orlando/Kissimmee area every year.
Goals
HelpWhat is the organization aiming to accomplish? This is the organization's ultimate goal for intended impact.

The ultimate goal of the Osceola County Historical Society is to preserve Osceola County history and share it with community residents and visitors from all over the state, country, and world. The organization oversees the Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum, the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, the Spence Pavilion and Research Center and the Mary Kendall Steffe Nature Preserve. These four locations offer a unique glimpse into the natural and cultural history of Osceola County, and the organization's goal is to share these unique experiences with as many people as possible while serving the community's needs in a meaningful way.

 

As the sole organization devoted to the preservation of Osceola County history, the organization strives for excellence and wholeness in its representation of the county's natural and cultural history. A main goal of the organization is to complete the expansion of the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, with the end goal being an interactive and complete village similar to what would have been available to Osceola County's early pioneer families and the Native Florida Tribes who lived in the area prior to these settlers' arrival. The organization received two grants totaling $580,000 from the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs to construct five additional structures at this location, and will continue to raise funds to complete all planned structures for this location.
 
Offering a variety of programming for Osceola County youth, including field trips and special events, it is a goal of the organization to keep costs for its programming at an accessible price point for all income levels. It is also a goal to design and provide additional programming for the community's youth, including a program to assist Osceola County literacy coaches. In the past, the organization has offered scholarships for summer camp to Osceola County students in need of a safe and fun place to go during the summer months, and it is a goal to continue with similar programming.
 
Moreover, the organization hopes its facilities, social events, and programs will provide an environment for people in the community to engage in meaningful dialogue about life in Florida and Osceola County. In a rapidly changing community, it is the goal of the Osceola County Historical Society to show its community members that all residents, old and new, are an important part of the history of our county.
 
Strategies
HelpWhat are the organization's strategies for its stated long-term goals?

Above all else, it is important for the Osceola County Historical Society to bolster its community relevance in order to best serve the county's residents and visitors. One strategy to ensure this is an emphasis on the marketing of the organization's facilities and programs. The organization hired its first Marketing and Events Director in April 2014, and as of summer 2015, attendance numbers at all locations are up.

Another way in which the organization bolsters community involvement is by providing free opportunities for residents and visitors to visit its facilities. Admission to the Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum (featuring award-winning exhibits that explore Osceola County's natural, industrial, and cultural history) is always free for visitors.

 The Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, another location maintained and overseen by the Osceola County Historical Society, opened in November 2014. The organization worked to double the number of historic structures on the site, moving the structures once located at what is now the Spence Pavilion and Research Center and joining them with four additional late-1800s structures salvaged and relocated from other parts of the county. These structures were fully restored and are available for public viewing 7 days a week for a small admission fee. The organization is working to make this experience more immersive and entertaining by constructing replica structures that visitors of all mobility levels will be able to enter and explore, experiencing a historic way of living firsthand.
Capabilities
HelpWhat are the organization’s capabilities for doing this? What resources, capacities, and connections support its progress towards long-term goals?

The Osceola County Historical Society was founded by volunteers in 1949, and has a long history of passionate volunteer involvement. With a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of local business owners, local government staff and officials, and experts in the tourism and development industries, the organization is well-equipped to manage the construction of new facilities, evidenced by the successful completion of the first phase of the expansion of the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek.


 
Programs
Traveling Trunks
Description
This educational program is designed to promote the area's history by bringing the history to the children. This opportunity is provided to Osceola County teachers who are able to borrow the "trunk" filled with artifacts, books, and other teaching aids to compliment the teacher's lesson plans on the subject. The trunks are provided at no cost to the area teachers. This is a great resource to enable teachers to have history become alive, as some schools and classes are not always able to particpate in the field trip program to visit the grounds themselves.
BudgetHelpSome organizations have unified budgeting and do not budget by program. Because of this, some budget fields may be blank or represent an approximation. $2,000.00
CategoryHelpAs defined by the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS), Program Classification codes are linked to the Nonprofit Program Classification (N.P.C.) coding system (http://nccsdataweb.urban.org). Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other
Population Served Children Only (5 - 14 years)
Short Term SuccessHelpOrganizations describe near term achievement(s) or improvement(s) that will result from this program. This may represent immediate outcomes occurring as a result of the end of a session or service.
Long Term SuccessHelpOrganizations describe the ultimate change(s) that will result from this program. This may be far into the future and represent an ideal state.
Program Success Monitored ByHelpOrganizations describe the tools used to measure or track program impact. Program coordinator/Executive Director.
Examples of SuccessHelpOrganization's site specific examples of changes in clients' behaviors or testimonies of client's changes to demonstrate program success.
Art in the Archives
Description  The Art in the Archives programs are designed to combine art and history to create an immersive program for adults or children. The organization's first Art in the Archives programs were in conjunction with a Florida Highwaymen Paintings exhibit, and field trip groups who chose this special Art in the Archives option were able to create their own artworks in the Florida Highwaymen style. Seeing success with this initial program, the organization decided to offer this program with each of its temporary exhibitions, and added special after-hours programming for adults to visit the museum to view these temporary exhibitions and create their own works of art following the instruction of an expert artist. The organization hosts Art in the Archives adult programming 3x per year, and will continue to offer the activities associated with these programs as an option for field trip groups.
BudgetHelpSome organizations have unified budgeting and do not budget by program. Because of this, some budget fields may be blank or represent an approximation. $1,000.00
CategoryHelpAs defined by the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS), Program Classification codes are linked to the Nonprofit Program Classification (N.P.C.) coding system (http://nccsdataweb.urban.org).
Population Served
Short Term SuccessHelpOrganizations describe near term achievement(s) or improvement(s) that will result from this program. This may represent immediate outcomes occurring as a result of the end of a session or service.
Long Term SuccessHelpOrganizations describe the ultimate change(s) that will result from this program. This may be far into the future and represent an ideal state.
Program Success Monitored ByHelpOrganizations describe the tools used to measure or track program impact.
Examples of SuccessHelpOrganization's site specific examples of changes in clients' behaviors or testimonies of client's changes to demonstrate program success.
Field Trip Program
Description
The Osceola County Historical Society offers three incredibly affordable field trip options.
1. Living History Pioneer Village & History Museum Tour: Tour multiple structures from the late 1800’s, including a cracker house, a blacksmith shop, a citrus packing house, Seminole Indian Village, cow camp and more! Each building is packed with artifacts to showcase the lifestyle of early Florida natives and pioneers.
2. Pioneer Village Self Guided Tour - Take a self-guided tour through the Pioneer Village, which is home to multiple structures from the late 1800’s, including a cracker house, a blacksmith shop, a citrus packing house, Seminole Indian Village, cow camp and more!-- or -- Welcome Center and History Museum Self Guided Tour - This new museum takes students through time to see how Native Americans, early settlers, and our famous cowboys helped shape this county’s rich past. Children can learn even more with hands-on displays and an interactive scavenger hunt.
3. Art in the Archives Temporary Exhibit Tour and Art Project - This tour takes students through the Welcome Center and History Museum, with a private tour of the Temporary Exhibit room. Students with then participate in a hands-on art activity that connects to the history displayed in the Temporary Exhibit. 
BudgetHelpSome organizations have unified budgeting and do not budget by program. Because of this, some budget fields may be blank or represent an approximation. $500.00
CategoryHelpAs defined by the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS), Program Classification codes are linked to the Nonprofit Program Classification (N.P.C.) coding system (http://nccsdataweb.urban.org). Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other
Population Served
Short Term SuccessHelpOrganizations describe near term achievement(s) or improvement(s) that will result from this program. This may represent immediate outcomes occurring as a result of the end of a session or service.
Long Term SuccessHelpOrganizations describe the ultimate change(s) that will result from this program. This may be far into the future and represent an ideal state.
Program Success Monitored ByHelpOrganizations describe the tools used to measure or track program impact.
Examples of SuccessHelpOrganization's site specific examples of changes in clients' behaviors or testimonies of client's changes to demonstrate program success.
Comments
CEO Comments
Our current programs focus on reaching the community in unique and various ways, in order to share insight into Osceola County's history. These programs have been designed with the organization's mission and purpose in mind, keeping education at the forefront. We continue to grow our events, along with the community, and mold them according to how we can impact the most people, allowing the programs to become exceptional resources the community can depend on OCHS to provide now, and to many generations to come.
Board Chair
Board Chair President Stacy McCland
Company Affiliation Overstreet, Miles, Cumbie and Finkenbinder Law Firm
Term Oct 2016 to Sept 2017
Board Co-Chair
Board Co-Chair
Board
Board Members
NameCompany AffiliationsStatusCertificate*
Director Russell Anderson RetiredVoting
Director Anza Bast VolunteerVoting
Director Ricky Booth Community VolunteerVoting
Director Peggy Choudhry Sevilla InnVotingNo
President - Elect Debi Clark Eco Tourism Airboat RidesVotingNo
Treasurer Mary Cooper Goodwin RealtyVoting
Director JoAnn Cumbie Goodwin RealtyVoting
Secretary Pete Edwards Community VolunteerVoting
Director Donna Hart RetiredVoting
Director Misty Johantgen Experience KissimmeeVoting
Narcoossee Chapter Pres Lisa Lui Community VolunteerVotingNo
President Stacy McCland Community VolunteerVotingYes
Director Darren Oliverio Community VolunteerVoting
Past - President Katrina Scarborough Osceola County Property AppraiserVoting
Director Mary Thiele Community VolunteerVoting
Director Bruce Van Meter Community VolunteerVoting
Director Angie White RetiredVoting
*This individual has been awarded a Certificate in Orientation to Board Service by the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at Rollins College ebi.rollins.edu, the Central Florida Partnership www.centralfloridapartnership.org, and the Central Florida Foundation www.cffound.org.
Board Term Lengths 3
Board Term Limits 0
Board Meeting AttendanceHelpThe Better Business Bureau's Standards for Charity Accountability recommends at least 65% board attendance (http://us.bbb.org) 62%
Number of Full Board Meetings AnnuallyHelpThe Better Business Bureau's Standards for Charity Accountability recommends a minimum of three evenly spaced meetings per year of the full governing body, with a majority in attendance and face-to-face participation (http://us.bbb.org). The Standards for Excellence Institute recommends a minimum of four board meetings per year (www.standardsforexcellenceinstitute.org). 10
Board Ethnicity
African American/BlackHelpThe Standards for Excellence Institute recommends board membership should reflect the diversity of the communites served by the organization (www.standardsforexcellenceinstitute.org). 1
Asian American/Pacific Islander 0
Caucasian 15
Hispanic/Latino 1
Native American/American Indian 0
Other 0
Other (if specified) 0
Board Demographics - Gender
FemaleHelpThe Standards for Excellence Institute recommends board membership should reflect the diversity of the communites served by the organization (www.standardsforexcellenceinstitute.org). 12
Male 5
Not Specified 0
Policies
Written Board Selection Criteria No
Written Conflict of Interest Policy No
Percentage of Monetary Contributions 100%
Percentage of In-Kind Contributions 75%
Constituency Includes Client Representation No
Standing Committees
Standing Committees
Committee Name
Collections
Finance
Development / Fund Development / Fund Raising / Grant Writing / Major Gifts
Marketing
CEO/Executive Director
CEO/Executive Director Donnita Dampier
Term Start Dec 2006
Email donnita@osceolahistory.org
Experience Donnita received her BA from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale in 1996. Prior to coming to the Osceola County Historical Society, she owned her own business, Dampier Designs in Kissimmee for 3 years.  She has served as President of the Kissimmee Main Street Program and now sits on the Rotary Club of Kissimmee Board and Visit Florida Visitor Services Committee.  She is also a member of the Down Town Area Council in Osceola County.  She resides in Intercession City with her husband and their twelve year old son.
CEO Salary Range $50,001 - $75,000
Staff
Number of Full Time Staff 5
Number of Part Time Staff 6
Number of Volunteers 25
Number of Contract Staff 1
Staff Retention Rate 80%
Plans
Organization has Fundraising Plan? Yes
Organization has Strategic Plan? No
Business Continuity of Operations PlanHelpA Business Continuity of Operations Plan shows how an organization will operate after an internal or external disaster happens that affects normal daily operations. Examples could include: internal computer systems fail and sensitive business operations information is lost or a regional disaster happens that shifts an organization’s business priorities for a period of time. No
Years Strategic Plan Considers 2
Date Strategic Plan Adopted Jan 2014
Management Succession Plan No
Organization Policies And Procedures Yes
Policies
Management Reports to Board? Yes
CEO Formal Evaluation and Frequency Yes Annually
Senior Management Formal Evaluation and Frequency Yes Annually
Non Management Formal Evaluation and Frequency Yes Annually
Nondiscrimination Policy No
Whistle Blower PolicyHelpThe 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act provides certain protections for whistle-blowers and criminal penalties for actions taken in retaliation against whistle-blowers. The Act protects persons who risk their careers by reporting suspected illegal activities in the organization. It is illegal for a corporate entity, for-profit or nonprofit, to punish the whistle-blower in any manner. For more information, visit Independent Sector (http://www.independentsector.org). No
Document Destruction PolicyHelpThe 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act addresses the destruction of business records and documents and turns intentional document destruction into a process that must be carefully monitored.For more information, visit Independent Sector (http://www.independentsector.org). No
Directors and Officers Insurance Policy Yes
Other
Collaborations
OCHS currently collaborates with Osceola County Government, City of Kissimmee, UF Extension Services, Osceola County Drug Court Program, Transition House, Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber of Commerce, Experience Kissimmee, Visit Orlando, Visit Florida, Wild Florida and Paddling Center at Shingle Creek.
Awards
AwardAwarding OrganizationYear
Exhibit Competition AwardSouth Eastern Museum Conference2013
State Registration Yes
State Charitable Solicitations Permit Yes
State Charitable Solicitations Permit Expiration Month Aug
State Charitable Solicitations Permit Expiration Year 2017
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year Start Oct 01, 2016
Fiscal Year End Sept 30, 2017
Financials
 HelpFinancial figures are entered by community foundation staff members who review the organization's audit and IRS Form 990. Reference the financial comments for source of financial figures.
 
Projected Revenue $1,093,900.00
Projected Expenses $1,093,900.00
Spending Policy N/A
Documents
Form 990s
YearDocument
20162015 990 - OCHS_US Tax Return
20162015 990 - OCHS_US Tax Return
2015990
2014990
2013990
2012990
2012990 signature page
2011990
2011990 signature page
2010990
2009990EZ
2008990
2007990
Audit Documents
YearDocument
20162016 Year-end Annual Audit
20162016 Year-end Annual Audit
2015Financial Audit
2014Financial Audit
2013financial audit
2012financial audit
2011financial audit
2010financial statement
2009Financial Statement
2009Internal Auditor's Report signed
2008Financial Statement
2007Financial Statement
IRS Letter of Determination
Form 501(c)3
Detailed Financials
Total Revenue and ExpensesHelpFinancial data for prior years is entered by foundation staff based on the documents submitted by nonprofit organizations.Foundation staff members enter this information to assure consistency in the presentation of financial data across all organizations.
Fiscal Year201620152014
Total Revenue$646,204$585,508$450,938
Total Expenses$764,749$545,960$471,529
Revenue SourcesHelpThe financial analysis involves a comparison of the IRS Form 990 and the audit report (when available) and revenue sources may not sum to total based on reconciliation differences. Revenue from foundations and corporations may include individual contributions when not itemized separately.
Fiscal Year201620152014
Foundation and
Corporation Contributions		$0$0$0
Government Contributions$514,172$292,144$329,510
Federal$0$0$0
State$0$0$0
Local$0$0$0
Unspecified$514,172$292,144$329,510
Individual Contributions$131,821$285,680$113,457

Indirect Public Support HelpIndirect public support represents revenue received through solicitation campaigns. This includes funding United Way and other federated fundraising organizations, but does not include donor designated contributions.

$0$0$0

Earned Revenue HelpEarned revenue represents income generated in direct exchange for a product or service.Earned income includes income from government contracts.

$0$0$0
Investment Income, Net of Losses$211$232$519
Membership Dues$0$7,452$7,452
Special Events$0$0$0
Revenue In-Kind$0$0$0
Other$0$0$0
Expense Allocations
Fiscal Year201620152014
Program Expense$600,108$382,568$336,292
Administration Expense$164,641$163,392$135,237
Fundraising Expense$0$0$0
Payments to Affiliates$0$0$0
Total Revenue/Total Expenses0.841.070.96
Program Expense/Total Expenses78%70%71%
Fundraising Expense/Contributed Revenue0%0%0%
Assets and Liabilities
Fiscal Year201620152014
Total Assets$627,256$548,058$510,857
Current Assets$434,448$330,019$298,109
Long-Term Liabilities$489$0$0
Current Liabilities$197,254$0$0
Total Net Assets$429,513$548,058$510,857
Top Funding Sources
Fiscal Year201620152014
Top Funding Source & Dollar AmountGovernment unspecified $51,472Government $292,144Government $329,510
Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar AmountIndividuals $131,821Foundations, Corporations and Individuals $285,680Foundations, Corporations and Individuals $113,457
Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar AmountInvestment $211Membership $7,452Membership $7,452
Solvency
Short Term Solvency
Fiscal Year201620152014
Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current Liabilities2.20----
Long Term Solvency
Fiscal Year201620152014
Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets0%0%0%
Capital Campaign
Currently in a Capital Campaign? Anticipated In 3 Years
Capital Campaign PurposeHelpCapital Campaigns are defined as a fundraising efforts over-and-above an organization's annual operating budget. Campaigns might include the purchase of land or a building, major renovations, and major equipment purchases. Endowment campaigns may also be included if the funds are legally restricted. OCHS will launch a capital campaign to complete Phase 3 of its Expansion Plan, which will include completion of the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek.
Capital Campaign Anticipated in Next 5 Years? Yes
Comments
CEO Comments
Foundation Comments
Financial figures taken from IRS form 990 or 990EZ.  990 and audit reconcile.
Contributions from foundations and corporations (and government for 2010) are included in total for individuals, as they were not separated in the 990 or audit.
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
Member of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)?HelpVOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) is a collaborative group of nonprofit and affiliated organizations that work together to effectively plan for and respond to disasters in a given region. No
Notes Programs listed here are those that are only activated during a disaster. Some organizations have unified budgeting and do not budget by program. Because of this, some budget fields may be blank or represent an approximation. Organization describes previous experience during the immediate response, recovery or rebuilding phases following a disaster.

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