Keep your eyes on The History Center

To the editor:

I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, having attended Arthur, Franklin and Washington schools.

A few years ago I attended our 45th school reunion and was on the committee that enlisted Mark Stoffer Hunter to conduct a tour for our class. Stoffer Hunter is The History Center's historian and his presentation was amazing.

Since that time, I have become fascinated with the preservation of Linn County history. Subsequent to the reunion, Stoffer Hunter has included me on expeditions involving historic buildings located in Cedar Rapids. Our region has amazing stories to tell, and there is no organization better poised to do this than The History Center.

I am heartened by a board of directors that has taken bold steps to strengthen the organization. The volunteers are the most dedicated people I have met and they work tirelessly to forward this institution. The staff has energy and enthusiasm that is unparalleled. With the recent appointment of Jason Wright as executive director, The History Center has a renewed energy and purpose that has few peers. This organization has completed a thorough strategic planning process and this will set the course for greatness, including a dynamic programming model and a sustainable business plan.

Keep your eyes on The History Center. You are about to see great things.

Dan Hampton

Winona, Minn.