It makes one shudder to think when contemplating the number of businesses, cultural institutions and other entities that might not survive the coronavirus pandemic.

Butler County’s historical societies are institutions that provide invaluable services to the county’s residents, but have struggled to obtain the funding to provide those services during the pandemic.

Representatives from local historical societies recently told the Eagle that fundraising during COVID-19 has been challenging and many of the services the societies offer — from tours and exhibits to special events and venue rentals — that help them raise the funds to stay afloat have been canceled.

“It’s been very painful for us,” said Rodney Gasch, the Harmony Museum’s president, said of the museum’s inability to host tours or events in 2020.

Funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act and the Payroll Protection Program have provided some relief to these important county institutions. And as they tend to do, Butler County residents have shown generosity during a year when many of them likely struggled due to the pandemic.

Jennifer Ford, executive director of the Butler County Historical Society, said she was surprised to not see a major drop in member contributions this year, and noted that residents continue to donate or take part in smaller fundraising efforts, such as purchasing gift cards.

This is heartening to hear. It’s obvious that when years such as this one create havoc — from COVID-19’s devastating death toll to lost jobs and the economic impact — for families, the household budget often only focuses on necessities.

So, it’s great to see county residents who can afford to donate to institutions like local historical societies and museums doing so.

These institutions tell the story of our communities, share the works of local artists and provide space for great community events. Losing them — much like seeing your favorite restaurant or local shop go under — would be a terrible loss for the community.

As this pandemic heads into its second year, these institutions are continuing drives to remain viable — for example, the Butler County Historical Society is holding raffles, and the Harmony Museum is offering carryout dinner fundraisers.

We hope those in the community who can afford it continue to support these wonderful institutions, and we look forward to the return of their typical annual events once this virus is left in the rearview mirror.

— NCD