December 5, 2020

The Lee’s Summit Historical Society is pleased to announce the receipt of two major donations from Betty and Dr. Robert “Bud” Hertzog. The Hertzogs’ have contributed $25,000 to the Historical Society for operational and program purposes. They have also contributed $25,000 to establish the Betty and Bud Hertzog Fund for the Lee’s Summit Historical Society at the Truman Heartland Foundation. This donor designated endowed fund will provide an annual contribution to the Historical Society. The fund is designed to grow over time with additional contributions.

The Hertzogs have been long-time supporters of the Lee’s Summit Historical Society and have been participants in many Historical Society activities. In announcing these gifts Bud stated that “The Historical Society has meant a lot to both Betty and me. We have a lot of pride in this community and we have been active participants in it for many years. The Historical Society has done a great job in preserving the history of this area and in sharing that history in the History Museum and the programming they offer for members, the general public, and our school age kids. We want to do our part to insure the Historical Society and Museum’s continued health and future development. We hope our gifts will encourage others to do the same.”

Although Betty passed away this past year, she and Dr. Hertzog will always be remembered for all they have contributed to Lee’s Summit and the Historical Society and Museum. The Historical Society announced last year that a new major exhibit, “Agriculture: A Way of Life” is being dedicated to the Hertzog family and in memory of Betty Lou.

Dr. Fred Grogan, Board Chair of the Historical Society emphasizes the importance of the Hertzogs’ gifts. “These are two of the most significant gifts our organization has ever received, and they are particularly special coming from such an admired local family. As a completely volunteer organization that relies totally on generating our own revenue to operate the Lee’s Summit History Museum we can only improve our exhibits and expand our programming through major gifts like these. We are deeply grateful to the Hertzogs for their support and confidence in our organization to continue and improve our mission for the community.”

If you would like to join the Hertzogs in supporting the Lee’s Summit Historical Society and Museum you can do so through any one of the following:

1) To donate any amount to the Betty and Bud Hertzog Fund for the Lee’s Summit Historical Society:
• Directly on-line: https://www.thcf.org/Donate/Hertzog-LS-Historical-Society
• Or write a check with the name of the fund on the memo line and mail to Truman

Heartland Community Foundation, 4200 Little Blue Parkway, Suite 340, Independence, MO 64057

2) Write a check directly to the Historical Society: Lee’s Summit Historical Society, P.O. Box 835, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

3) Donate directly on-line on the History Museum website: www.leessummitmuseum.com
** The Lees Summit Historical Society is a 501©3 not-for-profit organization. Donations may be tax deductible.