The MMFF Board has decided to no longer directly engage in archaeological activities. In order to maintain and promote the further benefits and positive outcomes of continuing Mormon History related Archaeology in Northwestern Missouri, MICHAEL, L.L.C., has been designated the successor organization for the purpose of continuing Archaeological efforts. Through MMFF's support and encouragement, archaeological interests can be managed with scholarly rigor and necessary control through MICHAEL, L.L.C., without the accompanying liability exposure.
    To provide support, the MMFF Board has voted to loan its tangible archaeological related assets to MICHAEL, L.L.C., (principally the tools and equipment) accumulated during MMFF's six years of archaeology activity.
    Protecting the remains of this significant building from the weather has been a major concern. This preservation project will need the help of a public fund raising effort. In continuing support of that goal, MMFF is prepared to receive tax deductible donations earmarked for the expenses of this worthy project. You may forward designated donations to:

    The Charles C. Rich Family Association is pleased to announce the creation of a special Historic Preservation Fund to substantially support the effort to save the Rich Log House in Caldwell County, Missouri. In 1995, local history advocate group in the Kansas City area known as the Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation (MMFF) discovered the remains of a log house located in what was once the heart of the Rich Settlement on Log Creek, five miles south of Far West in Caldwell. MMFF sponsored four years of intensive archeological digs at the site and was able to show conclusively that the building dated to the Mormon period.
    Combined with geographical and documentary historical research, it has been determined that the log house was constructed by Charles C. Rich and his father Joseph in the early spring of 1837. As if this find was not exciting enough, consider that this is also the only remaining Mormon era structure from the Far West Period. Along with serving as the President of the High Priest Quorum for the Far West area, Charles C. Rich also presided over the local LDS Church unit known as the “Rich Branch.” Today, Charles is most remembered in the Far West period, for the active military actions he took culminating in the Crooked River battle in Northern Ray County.
    Former MMFF board member, Michael S. Riggs and his wife, purchased the Log House property in February 2002 and they hope to raise the necessary funds to cover and preserve the remaining portion of the structure. This effort is conservatively estimated to cost $75,000 and involves covering the old log building with a new, modern log structure as shown here:
    More on this plan along with lots of other interesting information about the site and other Caldwell County, Missouri LDS history can be found at www.FarWestHistory.com. Admission to the site is free and we highly encourage you to visit this very significant place in Rich family/LDS Church history.

    Rich Family members and friends are invited to send their tax-deductible donations to: The Charles C. Rich Family Association
Address to be posted in the near future.

    And please designate your contribution as intended for the “Historic Preservation Fund.”