Support
Support the Arlington Historical Society with a gift to our annual fund!
The Arlington Historical Society plays a critical role in our county in numerous ways. Most importantly, people look to us as the primary guardian of our county’s past. We are honored to fill this important role, but the financial demands of our operations and programs are substantial. The year 2011 will mark the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War (in which Arlington played a hugely pivotal role), and the Tenth Year Commemoration of the attacks on the Pentagon. Next, we have the Bi-centennial of the War of 1812, in which, as many of you know, Arlington served as the “protector” of our Nation’s most important public documents. We intend to mount exhibits and conduct public programs for these, and other historical events and themes to bring Arlington’s rich and varied history to life for everyone in the community, and for visitors from everywhere.
We also want to significantly improve upon the display space at the Museum to open it up for more community events. We work closely with the Arlington Heritage Alliance on Arlington preservation issues, for example The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Pentagon, and co-host public tours like the Meigs Quartermaster’s kit home at Ft. Myer. In addition, the Ball-Sellers house is in urgent need of a security system, and major repairs, as water damage threatens the very foundation of this unique historic treasure, Arlington’s oldest building.
Over the last few years, our membership has declined, thus reducing the largest source of our revenues – member dues. Dues have not been raised in over ten years. Costs continue to rise. Even though your Board of Directors thoroughly and aggressively trimmed our projected budget expenditures, we are for the second year in a row operating “in the red,” in a deficit budget. This uncomfortable situation compels us now to ask our closest friends to make a special gift to our “Bell Ringer Campaign,” named after the many children who visit our museum and enjoy ringing the old Hume School bell as part of their visit. We also think the name is appropriate for the holiday season in which we make this appeal.
However you choose to make your gift this year, be assured that we appreciate your generosity, and that your gift will be put to good use to ensure that Arlington’s future continues to honor , respect, and remind all citizens of its past. Don’t be a stranger…come by the Museum, offer us your thoughts and ideas. This is, after all, your Historical Society!
Gifts to the annual Bell Ringer Campaign can be made online through our secure website.
