Survival Club

There is currently a very critical situation facing the Fall River Historical Society. Please take the time to read this as the future of the organization, as we know it, may depend on it.

Over the past several years, the Historical Society, faced with skyrocketing costs in utilities, maintenance, and general operating expenses, has struggled to maintain its current level of operation. The Society has implemented several cost-cutting measures in order to reduce expenses. One such action was to close the building for the first four months of the year, which resulted in a considerable savings in utilities; staff was also reduced to a skeleton crew during this period, saving on both payroll and taxes. Still, these measures have not been enough.

Our most serious problem is cash flow, due to insufficient income, and an endowment inadequate for the Society’s needs. A great misconception exists regarding the state of the Society’s finances, it being widely assumed that the organization is a wealthy one – this could not be farther from the truth. In fact, the hard reality of the situation is that just the opposite is true. As of April 30, 2009, the total value of the endowment was $421,569 and, from this, the Society receives a monthly income of $2,550. This is supplemented by membership dues, admissions, museum shop sales, grounds rental, events, donations, and rental income from the second-floor apartment in the annex building. Still, this income is insufficient and, as a result, we are currently forced to implement additional cost-cutting measures.

This lack of funds is by no means due to any negligence on the Society’s part; our directors, treasurer, staff, and volunteers have struggled to generate funds and keep costs down without cutting services. Simply stated, the Historical Society has never, in its history, been the recipient of any major endowment. This is not to say that some individuals have not been generous – in fact, in recent years, it has been through the generosity of a few that we have managed to survive, and to them we owe a great debt of gratitude as, quite literally, we could not have managed without them.

It is now time to overcome the misconception regarding the state of the Society’s financial status and lay our cards on the table. It is imperative that we develop a strategy to address the issue of the state of the Society’s endowment, insuring that the organization will be financially viable in the years to come. This will not be easy, nor will it come quickly. As we attempt to address this situation, it is necessary that we alleviate, at least partially, the serious problem of cash flow, hence the reason for this on-line appeal.

There may be many reasons why you are visiting the Fall River Historical Society’s web site. Perhaps you are interested in Fall River history, genealogy, or in the Borden murder case. Then again, it may be textile history, or cultural history. Whatever the case, you are reading this and, as such, we hope that you realize the organization is a worthwhile one. And we can assure you that it is. The Historical Society is the oldest and only non-profit organization in Fall River dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of artifacts relating to the history of our city; the collections, which continue to grow, are all encompassing, and are the largest and, undoubtedly, the most important to be found in the city, with some features unique in the Eastern Seaboard.

The museum’s building and grounds are architecturally important, serving as a model of what preservation is, and should be. The gardens and tearoom, which generate much-needed income, funded through the generosity of the Society’s members and friends, have brought increased public interest to the organization. Our Victorian Holiday Open House has become a tradition with many individuals in the area, and has been awarded recognition on a national level. The subject of Fall River history, promoted by the Society, in conjunction with the local press, has generated tremendous public interest; feature articles on various subjects have been enjoyed by readers and mailed to former Fall Riverites the world over. Oh yes, there have been many accomplishments, remarkable when one considers that they have been achieved, quite literally, on a shoestring – but now, that shoestring is beginning to fray.

Against incredible odds, the Historical Society has managed to survive for eighty-eight years – and we need your help to insure that we continue to survive for future generations. Therefore, we are asking you, actually pleading with you, to assist us in overcoming these hurdles.

There are several ways you can help, and believe us when we say that no contribution is too small; in our current situation, every gift will be beneficial. An easy way to give is by utilizing a monthly Electronic Fund Transfer [E.F.T.] posted to your credit card, which is beneficial to both you and the Society; while allowing you to spread your giving over a 12-month period, it also guarantees us income on a monthly basis, thus assisting to alleviate cash flow problems for operating expenses.

No doubt you would like to help but, perhaps, due to the current state of the economy, you cannot afford to give as much as you would like – and this we fully understand. Using the E.F.T. plan, a gift of $1000 would cost $83.34 per month, a gift of $500, only $41.67 per month, or a gift of $250, just $20.83 monthly. Contributions in any of these amounts, coupled with those of other donors, will quickly add up to a considerable sum, and greatly assist the Historical Society.

Perhaps you would prefer an outright contribution of any amount, either by credit card or check – whatever your preference, we desperately need your help. And please remember, no amount is too small.

For the first time in its history, it has become necessary to ask the Historical Society’s friends to assist the organization with its day-to-day needs – if the situation was not of the utmost importance, this would not be necessary.

The Historical Society faces a formidable challenge as we attempt to address this severe lack of funds. It is not going to be easy. In fact, it is the most difficult obstacle this organization has had, to date, to overcome. But overcome it we will – we have to, for if the Society is to survive, and we must survive, there is no other option.

Thank you for taking the time to read this appeal. It is our sincerest hope that you will be able to join us by making a tax-deductible contribution to assist in achieving the goal we have, by necessity, set for ourselves.

Your assistance is imperative in order that the Historical Society may continue to serve and educate the public at its current level.

Very sincerely yours,

Elizabeth Wells Denning
President
Fall River Historical Society