About Us

Who we are
The Lake County Heritage Farm Foundation is a volunteer organization that began in 2001 thanks to the vision of the late Ray Rockenbach. Ray wanted to take a working farm from the 1930s and 1940s and turn it into an educational center for K through 12 area students – filled with interactive programs that would enhance their instruction in science, math, history and civics.

While the foundation is still working toward securing a facility for development, it is also working with private parties to preserve the oral history of agriculture in Lake County. With a shared commitment to the community and the vision of Ray Rockenbach, the LCHFF hopes to provide diverse audiences everywhere with an accurate portrayal of the farm life and heritage in our county.

You can help us in our work! Contact Us to find out how you can get involved or make a tax deductible contribution through PayPal.

Our founding sponsors:
Ogilvy
CNH
Mayer Brown

Special thanks to Nancy Schumm-Burgess author of The Barns of Lake County.

List of Board Members
Bill Schroeder, Chairperson
Al Westerman, Vice Chairperson
Paul Geiselhart, Treasurer
Chris Geiselhart, Secretary
Andrew W. Blaul
Unette Lemke
Jim Menzer
Raine Ray
Phil Rovang
Nancy Schumm-Burgess
Pete Tekampe
Jeff Walsh