Never has Historic Cherry Hill had as extraordinary a 10-day period as it has since the Times Union published "Mansion may be history," July 21. That piece started a community-based, full-court press to save the museum.
To recap: Three articles by the Times Union, outreach by the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, an anonymous challenge by a Cherry Hill volunteer that got donations rolling, an interview on YNN's Capital Tonight, listing as "Best Historic Site" in Metroland, an interview broadcast by Empire Broadcasting Corp., a spontaneous fundraising party thrown on behalf of the "yellow house on the hill," and an outpouring of support from more than 300 individuals, with gifts ranging from $5 to $32,000, from within the city of Albany and from as far away as Orkney, Scotland.
The final tally shows the museum met and exceeded its benchmark for its prestigious challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the momentum gained has helped make a significant dent in the final $590,000 benchmark. The many, many notes and kind words from donors have been as gratifying as the monetary support. And, in the end, the week should remind us: History matters.
Thank you to all.
Michael R. Beiter
President, Historic Cherry Hill
Liselle LaFrance
Director, Historic Cherry Hill