The 4-year-old Lakewood Historical Society museum will kick off a fundraising campaign June 1 with a goal of $25,000, according to Treasurer Gary Fowler.
“This year’s campaign is already off to a great start with advance pledges or contributions totaling nearly 20 percent of the goal,” the Society spokesman said. Fowler explained that members of the board of directors and a few additional supporters kicked off the campaign with their early gifts.
The Society is enjoying a good year with museum attendance up, monthly program attendance increasing and continued growth underway., reported president Becky Huber The funds will provide for Museum operating expenses, lease payments, new and expanded exhibits and hiring an experienced museum consultant on a part-time basis.
“Our monthly programs have drawn an increasing number of community members every month,” according to Huber. She said member-only tours of estates have been excellent draws as well as the variety of history-based programs. The net result has been an increase in membership and museum attendance in the last year.
Huber pointed out that the Society was able to acquire the part-time services of Mary Bowlby, an experienced professional museum executive, during the year. “Bowlby has served as director of several history museums in the area and when she became available to us as a consultant we jumped at the chance,” Huber explained. The net result from her efforts has been upgrading of the museum’s collection and planning for future exhibits and operations.
“We need the $25,000 fund goal to continue the development of the museum and improved monthly programs. Letters seeking contributions from members and previous donors will be mailed in early June, Fowler said. The society is an organization approved by the IRS for tax-deductible contributions. Donations in any amount can be sent to: Lakewood Historical Society, POBox 98014, Lakewood, WA 98496
