CLARKSVILLE, IN (April 4, 2022) – When Clarksville’s Historic Preservation Commission decided to hold a crowdfunding campaign for their latest project, they had no idea what to expect. The goal was simple. The HPC had a goal of raising $40,000 to build a “Rosie the Riveter” art installation in Ashland Park overlooking the Ohio River. The monument would celebrate one of the Town of Clarksville’s most famous residents, and her contributions to our country during World War 2.
The amount of $40,000 was significant not only because it was needed to build the monument. If the HPC was able to raise that amount, it would be matched by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and it’s “CreatINg Places” crowdfunding grant program. The HPC and it’s members were hopeful that the crowdfunding campaign, that only lasted for 30 days would be just successful enough to earn that matching grant.
Not only did the campaign reach the $40,000 mark when the campaign ended on March 31st, it was nearly double what the Historic Preservation Commission had set out to raise. The final total of the online campaign was $79,165, coming from a total of 71 donors. Donations ranged from $25 to $10,000.
“We are thrilled and grateful for the level of support shown, literally from across the nation, with both citizens and businesses joining forces to complete this project,” said HPC President Lynn Lewis. “People care about Clarksville and they showed that with their support of this riverfront installation.”
Jim Kenney is a member of Clarksville’s Historic Preservation Commission, and one of the key leaders of the “Rosie the Riveter” campaign. He says although he is excited about the success of the campaign, it didn’t come as a suprise.
“From the positive feedback we received as we shared with people in the community the Rosie story and our idea on how we could tell the story gave us confidence the campaign would be a success,” Kenney said. “Even so, the funding response exceeded our expectations.”
Although the donations to the campaign came from all over Kentuckiana, it’s success was very much due to the support of the local business community. Several area companies and organizations made sizable donations to the campaign. $10,000 donations were made by Avant-Garde, Realtor Pat Harrison, Samtec, Inc, and SoIn Tourism. $5,000 donations were made by The Cornerstone Group, Lochmueller Group, Duke Energy, and Friends of the Ohio River Greenway.
“To the business community” said Kenney “we thank you for your generosity and desire to make our community vibrant and a great place to live.”
With the $79,165 raised from the crowdfunding campaign and the $40,000 from the IHCDA and it’s “CreatINg Places” crowdfunding grant, Clarksville’s Historic Preservation Commission with have $119,165 to work with in creating the new “Rosie the Riveter” art installation along the Ohio River. To learn more about the project, you can CLICK HERE. The Clarksville Historic Preservation Commission meets monthly to plan and implement projects that lift up our community and remind citizens of our shared history. For more information on ways you can help, please call HPC President Lynn Lewis at 812-345-0850.
