True to our mission, the Museum has completed two successful decades of “preserving and presenting transportation history in a manner that engages, educates, and entertains our guests.” This achievement is thanks to you.
The Museum is uniquely positioned for the future. We’re mortgage-free, with outstanding membership growth, a loyal volunteer core, and the highest vehicle donations in our history. Our $1.7 million budget operates in the black, and Charity Navigator has consistently awarded us a 4-star rating – their highest – for our financial acumen and transparency.
As we prepare for the next twenty years, we’re building on our success to bolster our campus to meet current and future needs. Predicting the future is a challenging task. We must keep up with technology to engage our guests for a meaningful experience and maintain an infrastructure suitable for our collection. To achieve this, we have developed the Accelerate campaign to drive the museum forward.
The Property Committee worked diligently to develop and prioritize initiatives that help us achieve our long-term goals. These goals are grouped into three “plans” titled “Now,” “Next,” and “Future.” Over the past months, we have accomplished the “Now” plan initiatives. This phase included roof replacement, HVAC updates, and the replacement of our rotunda turntable.
We are now in the campaign’s “Next” phase. The plan includes:
• Continued HVAC system replacement. The system includes three large units at $30,000 per unit (half of which has been raised) and 16 smaller units at $16,000 per unit. The units have exceeded their projected lifespan.
• Waterproofing/restoring the front facade of the building. Below-grade water issues, particularly the stairwells, have been ongoing. The remediation plan includes excavating the front of the building to the foundation, installing a new waterproof membrane, regrading, and re-engineering the stormwater runoff system.
• Updating the exterior lighting with LED lights. LED lighting has many advantages, including energy efficiency and a long lifespan.
• Purchasing three new defibrillators (AED machines) for the buildings on our campus.
• Enhancing the security camera system. A new wireless system will work seamlessly with our upgraded WI-FI system and provide coverage of all entrances, exits, and interior gallery spaces.
Together, the plans form a comprehensive roadmap to success over a multi-year period, ensuring the museum’s legacy for future generations.
Please join us in reaching the Accelerate campaign goals so we can undertake the ongoing initiatives during the next twelve months. We appreciate your consideration.
