FUNDRAISE FOR THE FARM 2022 (Lauer Farms 1944)

In 2017, our founder, Matt Martini, approached the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Parks District with the idea of starting a World War II living history event at the historic Lauer Farm. Martini’s family history was the spark of his motivation. His paternal great-grandfather served in the Pacific and his maternal great-uncle, who served with the 2nd Infantry Division, was killed in action just outside of Saint-Lô, France in June 1944. With these connections, he understood that Lima, Ohio had a wealth of WWII history that was never really discussed. With the goal of educating the public about that history, Lauer Farms 1944 was born.

Lauer Farms 1944 seeks to engage citizens and preserve the history of the Second World War through educational hands-on living history experiences. We aim to collect the stories of veterans of the Second World War and those of other wars to keep their history alive and provide records to the public for future use. Additionally, our goal is to engage schoolchildren in interactive and exciting ways to appreciate the history of the Second World War.

We are looking to raise money for a few different things:

1. To feed the living historians who volunteer for our event in a period-correct field kitchen.

2. Promotional materials

3. To support our School Day program

4. To keep the event alive!

Thank you so much!