Dear Friends,
We are delighted to welcome many new and returning members of the Associates as a result of steady membership growth over the past year. As we enter the fall of 2011, we have more than doubled new, “never before” memberships and have an excellent rate of returning members as well.
We have been able to accomplish this through the hard work of our statewide board of directors and “taking our show on the road” through Museum Day events that are focused on attracting and retaining members. The fiscal year just ended featured five highly successful Museum Days in Lumberton, Charlotte, Warrenton, High Point, and Morehead. The coming fall schedule includes events in Raleigh, Edenton, Wilmington, Rocky Mount, and Durham—all locally organized and helping support our membership development!
Other membership-focused events that will enable us to reach out to old friends and new:
- The opening of Pharaoh’s at the Museum, hosted by the Young Associates on September 23, will celebrate the Museum’s new soda shop on the SECU Education Center level.
- An Old-Fashioned Homecoming at Midway Plantation October 23 will feature picnic food, old-fashioned games, and Civil War and Revolutionary War reenactments for history lovers of all ages.
- The grand opening gala for The Story of North Carolina November 4 honors former Secretary of Cultural Resources Betty Ray McCain and focuses on the opening of phase 2 of the Museum’s signature exhibit. Cocktails, dancing, raffle, VIP opportunities, and more, organized by event chairs Martha and Ken Howard and Wes and Trent Ragland.
- The 2nd annual Afternoon at the Museum in January organized by and for families of school-age children will draw more than 400 parents and children for private tours of the Story of North Carolina exhibit, behind the scenes tours of the Museum, educational crafts, and hot chocolate.
- The Benefactors Circle members will gather for their annual dinner in late January in recognition of their special place as supporters of the Associates and the Museum.
- Young Associates 4th Annual Casino Night in February will honor the state dog and the Museum’s exhibit on the Plott Hound.
- The Annual Holiday Party December 5 will attract all ages for a multi-generational gathering for conversations with Santa, cocktails, crafts, and candy.
- Our 15th Spring Frolic Fundraiser returns to its roost April 21 with dinner, dancing, and an auction at the Figure Eight Yacht Club. Watch for more information on how you can participate in this event honoring Blanche and Zack Bacon.
In addition to hosting, sponsoring, and planning special events for the Museum, the Associates makes direct cash gifts to the Museum’s exhibits, acquisitions, and educational programming—totaling more than $150,000 in 2010-11. We are on target to continue that pledge amount in 2011-12, thanks to the generosity of our members.
To become involved, to receive invitations to the events listed above, to support your state history museum, join now. For a tax-deductible membership contribution, Associates members receive discounts in our Museum Shop, on special events, at our summer camps, and on our tours. You’ll get our weekly e-news, invitations to openings, and the opportunity to belong to a vital and growing organization. Your membership matters—join today!
Sincerely,
Executive Director
