When Erie Sauder first opened Sauder Village in 1976, he envisioned a place where students could come and learn about the past. He also understood that all of us learn better by doing, so his museum was going to be living — where the past meets the present in fun, engaging experiences. Studies have shown that students who engage with museums of any kind, show increased test scores in math, science, and literacy compared to those who don’t. Engagement with the past stretches not only our minds but our hearts. We are proud of the role we play in enriching the lives of students throughout our region, but we can’t do it alone.
Sauder Village is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and sponsors. Help us preserve history and inspire future generations.
Whether you give to our Experience Fund, a Capital Campaign, a special project, or join the Erie J. Sauder Heritage Society, your gift will make an impact.
We look forward to your partnership!
Ways to Become Involved
Legacy Gifts/Erie J. Sauder Society
By including a legacy gift to Sauder Village in your estate planning you will be joining our Erie J. Sauder Society, a group of like minded donors who understand the importance of the work we do and have committed to making sure their support continues. As you work with your financial planner, let us know of your intentions so we can include you in our acknowledgements and donor events. Contact Andi Erbskorn at [email protected] for details.
Student Education Fund
A gift to the Student Education Fund helps us underwrite in part admission fees for students from underserved districts. This allows the schools who might not otherwise be able to afford a visit a chance to experience a day at Sauder Village.
Experience Fund
Whether it is the care and feeding of our animals, supplies for our craft program, or the research and installation of a new exhibit, the Experience Fund supports all we do at Sauder Village.
Fundraisers
Join us for special fundraising events throughout the year, such as our annual Tee It Up for Education Golf Tournament, with proceeds supporting programs like the Youth Volunteer Program. Each event helps raise critical funds to support Sauder Village’s mission while offering unique ways to connect with our community.
Sponsorships
Partner with us to sponsor exhibits, programs, or events that align with your values and support our community-focused mission. Contact us at [email protected] to see you how your business can partner with us!
Donate Now
Donations can also be sent by calling 419.446.2541 or mailing checks payable to Sauder Village (PO Box 235, Archbold, OH 43502). Thank you!
Donate an Artifact
Do you have objects, documents, or photographs that you think might enhance our Collections? Sauder Village manages thousands of artifacts for use and exhibit. Our focus is on items relevant to those who lived and worked in the Great Black Swamp from 1803 to 1950 along with items connected to historic crafts and trades.
If you are interested in donating an item to our collection, please fill out the Acquisition Inquiry Form and submit it along with photographs to the Collections Department by:
• Email: [email protected],
• US Mail: Sauder Village Collections Dept., PO Box 235, Archbold OH 43502
Drop off form: Welcome Center offices Mondays – Fridays 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
PLEASE DO NOT BRING THE ARTIFACT(S) AND DROP THEM OFF WITH THE FORM.
Once we have received your form, our collections committee will review it and we will follow up with you. Decisions are based on a variety of factors including relevance, condition and history of the item. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
Ticket Donation Requests
We’re proud to support fellow nonprofits and community organizations. If you’d like to request Historic Village admission tickets for a fundraiser or event, please submit a formal request for consideration.
