The Catawba Island Historical Society lighting up the Union Chapel Museum this summer.

Each year the Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) supports charitable initiatives that address current and emerging needs in the fields of education, health and social services, economic development, natural resources, and the arts. Its financial assistance comes from Unrestricted Donor Advised Funds and from annual donations.

The Catawba Island Historical Society received a generous $700 grant from OCCF in 2023. The money was used to have a Norwalk contractor, Stively Electric, install exterior power outlets at the Historical Society’s Union Chapel Museum. The improvement will help the facility reach a broader audience by enabling periodic outside displays and special events.

For example, a new mobile exhibit about luxury wooden power boats produced in the 1920s and 1930s – many manufactured locally — is being added to the Museum this year. It will be formally introduced at a reception for the Catawba Island Club’s Yachtsmen Association on Saturday, Aug. 12. External power will make it possible to increase event size by hosting the display’s debut outdoors.

“We are continually looking for ways to expand and improve our contributions to the area,” said David Wonnell, President of the Catawba Island Historical Society. “The ability to conduct outside events will allow us to more broadly demonstrate the value of preserving local history. The Ottawa County Community Foundation concurs with this objective and is an excellent partner for helping us pursue it.”

Union Chapel Museum is operated by the Catawba Island Historical Society. It is open from mid-May to mid-October on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information is available at www.catawbaislandhistoricalsociety.com.