About Us
Mission
In 1990 the Sedalia Heritage Foundation (SHF) was established as a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, maintenance, interpretation, promotion, and operation of the historic Sedalia Katy Depot landmark. In addition, the SHF serves as a community foundation vehicle to receive and distribute funds for educational and community development projects.
Objectives
- protect and preserve the historic integrity of the Historic Sedalia Katy Depot Landmark
- serve as the managing tenant in partnership with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks
- function as a full service trailhead to the Katy Trail
- function as Sedalia’s Welcome Center
- interpret and celebrate heritage through exhibits, events, programs, and activities
- offer heritage themed gifts and souviners and locally handcrafted items
- showcase the Sedalia Katy Depot as a local landmark through a website, social media, guided and self guided tours, advertising and publications
- serve as a catalyst to engage interest in and support of historic preservation and heritage interpretation
Organizational Structure
An eight-member board provides direction to a full-time executive director supported with three part-time employees each with assigned program goal responsibilities. Friends of the Depot raise funds through a variety of programs and provide the minimal volunteer support needed. The fiscal year budget is developed in a line-item format with dedicated sources of revenue offsetting specific expenses.
Funding
The Foundation receives no federal, state or local government subsidy. It is dependent upon grants, sponsors, user fees, memberships, and retail sales to cover an average annual budget of $200,000.
Ways to Support
Shop the Depot Store
Whether for yourself, family, friends, or business associates our selection of gifts and souvenirs feature unique merchandise lines including Katy Trail, Missouri-made products, Railroad, Sedalia souvenirs, local artists’ and authors’ works, and much more. Shop in the store or online.
Schedule your business or personal event at the Depot
Whether for yourself, family, friends, or business associates our selection of gifts and souvenirs feature unique merchandise lines including Katy Trail, Missouri-made products, Railroad, Sedalia souvenirs, local artists’ and authors’ works, and much more. Shop in the store or online.
Take a tour – bring your family and friends
While the exhibits are designed as a self-guided experience, guided group tours can be scheduled to provide a more detailed behind-the-scenes look at the depot’s history and restoration plus a unique look into special stories. Glimpse into the Sedalia of yesteryear and be reminded that the Katy Complex was once the heart of the city.
Extend in-kind services or products
Pledge an annual amount and receive that amount in promotional links.
Desktop design – layout – social media support – ad space – air time – photocopies – printing – office supplies – food- beverage – paper products – lawn maintenance – landscaping – snow removal – signs – storage – labor for odd jobs – loan of items or exhibit artifact repair
Pass the word about the Katy Depot
Encourage others to visit us, to attend our events, and to shop our store.
Join our Friends
All members receive a 10% discount on purchases made in the Depot Store and receive an e-newsletter and special invitations to events.
Volunteer Your Time and Skills
Help with youth activities through the Robert S. Stevens Kids Club
- Expansion of youth tours connecting docent interpretation to stories and artifacts
- Kid Club model train exhibit and activity room
Maintenance
- Historic site building, grounds and infrastructure
- Public art pieces: Rag Tag Train, Syncopated Piano, Step Up Caboose, and At Work sculpture
- MoPac Caboose 12099