What will your Legacy be?
Jesse Fell Legacy Society
Many donors make their most significant gifts through their wills, estate, trusts, life insurance, and other beneficiary designations. Our mission is timeless, and your support through a legacy gift will make a difference, preserving our past for a better tomorrow. Will the next chapter of your life story include a legacy gift for the Museum?
Your Museum – Your History
Since 1892, the Historical Society has maintained the public trust through meaningful dialogue surrounding our past. The Museum’s earliest roots began in 1903, serving as a place of historical conscience, bearing witness to what is real and true, and sharing this with the community, and in the process, providing for a better tomorrow.
The Historical Society received its first estate gift in 1920, and has continued to maintain quality investments, with a policy of growth and preservation, with funds managed by local financial experts. Reliance on earnings from the endowment has become a necessity to maintain our level of service to the community as a nationally accredited museum. Endowment earnings currently represent 30% of our operating budget. Over 70% of the budget comes from private support.
As our community has changed over time, the landscape of philanthropic support has changed too. Business support has declined as larger organizations have transferred their philanthropic support to other initiatives and markets. In the 21st Century, the cost of maintaining a professional staff has outgrown membership dollar support. Reliance on our endowment has become a necessity.
For more information or to document your Legacy, please contact Norris Porter, Director of Development
