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From the Director's Desk         ………………………………………...….          John O. Hawkins

Biting the Bullet, and more pleasant things

Due to the current economic conditions, the Museum, like many other worthy non-profit groups, is facing financial difficulty. We have funds designated toward the production of the second volume of the history DVD, the printing of the calendar, and for reprinting the Centennial Edition of the News-Topic. We are hoping that these items, along with this year’s Christmas card, will generate needed revenue for the Museum.

However, we have a shortage of funds for the day-by-day operation of the Museum. Many grants, foundations, and individuals seem more willing to give for specific projects, because they can see more readily where their money is going. The Board of Directors, the Museum Director, and the staff are committed to keeping the Museum open the same number of hours each week and providing the same services for our patrons that we have been providing. But we know that financially we need to “bite the bullet.”

While we have always tried to be mindful to turn off unneeded lights and air conditioning units, we have renewed our efforts. For one thing, we will not be immediately filling the vacant Museum Assistant position. As we have in past years, we are putting some things on hold. We are always looking for ways to economize.

Those who work at the front desk are being more diligent to call visitors’ attention to the donation box. We sent letters to some people who normally contribute but who have not contributed for 2011, and they responded well. In November we will be doing our regular mail out to the Friends of the Museum asking for their support in 2012. We depend on donations, large or small, from interested people. Certainly we cannot express enough gratitude to those who help keep us going.

Changing to a more pleasant note, one of our long-time friends, Sidney Halma, has helped redo the Davenport Room. The project was financed by an anonymous donor, with Sidney serving as the contact person. One of the wonderful things about it is that we got the benefit of Sidney’s expertise and a state-of-the-art display at no cost to us. It is good to have friends; and Sidney is high on the Museum’s list of friends, as is our anonymous donor.

Our attendance has been very good so far this calendar year. We have had several groups as well as many individuals. Perhaps due to the economic downturn, people are looking for things to do locally that are free or inexpensive. Perhaps there is a growing interest in the history of our county. Whatever their reason, we are always glad to have visitors and we invite them to return as often as possible.

Among those who came to see us in August was an energetic and enthusiastic group of eight people from Beech Mountain. They are planning to get a Museum started in their area. We were happy to have them visit us, and we are looking forward to hearing good things from them as they move forward.

Speaking of visits, our Board’s field trip this year was to the Catawba County Museum of History in Newton in the morning, and then to Hart’s Square in the afternoon. We have previously visited Museums and historic sites in Ashe, Lincoln, Burke and Wilkes counties. Each has been a unique and an informative experience. None of us can pick a favorite from among the destinations. Each person pays his/her own way, and we eagerly anticipate our next trip.

Biting the bullet is never fun. However, even in the midst of cutbacks, we can find pleasant things on which we can focus. We will continue to be here for our patrons and to meet as many of their needs as we possibly can.