About Us

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

Our foundation is committed to achieving Ray's vision for the benefit of Lake County residents and beyond. Locally we are working diligently to capture and preserve the oral history of Lake County agriculture. Through our website we are documenting the agricultural history of Lake County farm-by-farm.

While we remain open to possibility of a physical recreation, our priority is a virtual recreation of a working farm from the golden age of Lake County agriculture - a recreation available to anyone with an internet connection anywhere in the world.

Through our commitment to our community and to the vision of Ray Rockenbach, the Lake County Heritage Farm Foundation is working hard 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 by contacting us to learn how you can get involved or by making 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.

LCHFF Board Members
Jeff Walsh, President
Jim Menzer, Treasurer
Unette Lemke, Secretary
Paul Geiselhart
Raine Ray
Phil Rovang
Nancy Schumm-Burgess
Pete Tekampe
Ken Wagner
Bill Schroeder, Chairperson Emeritus