Gary & Barbara McIntosh Historical Education Endowment Fund
Preserve the Past, Inspire the Future
This Designated Fund was established by Gary and Barbara McIntosh in 2024 to provide operational support for the following historical education sites: Fort Lincoln School in Fort Scott, School House No. 9 in Linn County, and the nonprofit Free State Capital.
Gary McIntosh shared the following about his inspiration for creating the fund:
“The inspiration behind creating this account comes from a desire to preserve and honor the legacy of one-room country schools that shaped the lives of my own family and community. In particular, it is dedicated to Fort Lincoln School, originally located near Fulton, Kansas, and Number 9 School, once located near Mound City. This fund also recognizes Constitutional Hall in Topeka, the first free state capitol of Kansas, as a cornerstone of our state’s history and freedom. My hope is that this effort will encourage others to learn more about the role foundations can play in protecting history. Beyond the few preserved examples (such as in Lawrence, KS), I hope more schools and communities will include country schools and other historic buildings in their educational and cultural work.
This is not just about preserving buildings – it’s about preserving the stories, values, and legacies that remind us of where we came from and inspire where we are going.”