2025 Annual Report
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we step into a new year, our hearts are full of gratitude. Every accomplishment we celebrate—and every challenge we overcome—is possible because of people like you. Historic Florissant exists only through the generosity, passion, and belief of our community. You are the reason our history continues to live, breathe, and inspire.
A Year Filled With Meaningful Moments
2025 passed quickly, but it was rich with connection and discovery. Our Coffee Talk series brought neighbors together to learn about the Douglas and Alvarez families, and the story of the Narrow-Gauge Railway and the Florissant Depot.
Honoring Our Shared Heritage
With the help of Friends of Veterans, VFW Post 4105, Councilman Tom O’Donnell, and dedicated volunteers, we installed 15 historic markers throughout the Old Town area—each one a reminder that our stories matter. A free companion brochure now guides visitors through these pieces of our shared past and are available throughout the city.
The Reeb House: A Labor of Love
The Reeb House restoration has been one of our most challenging and inspiring efforts. When Missouri Women in Trades lost funding, progress slowed, but the spirit of community did not. Volunteers from the Mid America Sisterhood of Carpentry stepped in with skill and heart, working alongside C&S Custom Build to recreate the home’s unusual roof design. Our structural engineer and architect have been steadfast partners throughout the year.
We were honored to receive a Cynthia Woods Mitchell Grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, covering half the cost of drywall. We are applying for additional grants to support electrical work, and several local companies have generously provided services at cost. Still, the need for additional funding remains great.
This year brought unexpected setbacks—bees in the walls, a collapsed basement wall, water damage, fallen trees from a tornado, and vandalism to our volunteer recognition sign. Yet through every obstacle, we kept going because this house is more than a building. It is a promise to future generations.
Community, Connection, and Celebration
Historic Florissant works tirelessly to support a full year of fundraising and community outreach. Our Benefit Dinner, Christmas House Tour, Ghost Tours, Give St. Louis Day, the Quilt Show, and the Fall Festival all provided essential funding for our mission. Gina and Lynn proudly championed young historians by serving as judges for National History Day at UMSL, helping students discover and express their connections to the past. We also shared our story with new audiences at the Local History Expo held at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters, further raising awareness of our historic organization.
We are welcoming two new board members, Terri Spring and Kyle Bennett, whose enthusiasm and ideas are already energizing our work.
Preserving the Gittemeier House
The Gittemeier House required major heating and cooling repairs this year, and work continues on storm windows and shutters. New acquisitions—including items from the estate of Norma Farrar—have enriched the visitor experience. Rising costs, especially insurance (up 32%), have added financial pressure, but we remain committed to protecting this beloved landmark. Volunteers Dan Gittemeier, Kevin Fitzpatrick, and Steve Siebe ensure the house and grounds are well maintained.
Standing With Our Community
We supported fellow historical organizations, assisted families with genealogy, guided visitors through the Cougot Log Cabin, created a walking tour for Miracle on St. Francois, and helped author and visitor from Germany, Holger Strugholt, with research for his upcoming book on Prussian immigrants to Florissant. These connections remind us that history is not just something we preserve—it’s something we share.
We Need You More Than Ever
We know these are uncertain times. Yet your generosity and your belief in the importance of local history have carried us through every challenge. Any donation you make this year will be used with care, transparency, and deep appreciation. Every dollar directly supports the preservation of the places and stories that define Florissant. Donations may be made by check written to the address below, by calling 314-565-1468, or by using the QR code.
Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for believing that our history is worth saving. Together, we are ensuring that the past continues to illuminate the future.
With gratitude,
Gina Siebe,
President
Lynn Burkhart, Treasurer
Kris Sontheimer, Secretary
Lucian Matoushek, Board Member
Nancy Quade, Board Member
Mary Kay Gladbach, Board Member
Historic Florissant, Inc.
1067 Dunn Road
Florissant, MO 63031
