Dear Community:

As you know, your Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village has experienced some significant changes over the past year.  Again, these changes are part of a strategic positioning to enable the institution to cope with declining income as a result of the economic recession.  As explained, it became clear to the Board of Directors even before the economic turmoil began that the Museum’s survival depended upon a significant reduction in expenses. We have completed one full fiscal year cycle since these changes were put into effect and are proud to announce that the Museum has finished the year in the black for the first time in years.

Over the past year we were able to reduce daily operation expenses by 20%. We did this by lowering the thermostats in the winter & raising them in the Summer, bidding out our worker’s compensation plan, property & buildings insurance, sprinkler system inspections, pest control, security/fire monitoring, copier maintenance, heating, plumbing & airconditioning service, tree care, and asking for better rates on our phone service. Although this has helped us meet our budget for fiscal year 2009, it may not be enough for next year.

As you may have read in the Delaware State Newspaper, there was a $10 million reduction in the State’s Grant in Aid funding this year. Along with many others, we have received a substantial cut that amounts to $14,500 in much needed funding. Making up the difference is going to be a difficult task. We ask you, our valued members to give a little extra to the Museum this year. You can help support the Museum by renewing your Membership, giving as much as you can to our Annual Campaign, donating items to our Annual Auction, being a sponsor for our Annual Golf Outing or other special events and by spreading the word to your friends & family that they should come visit the Museum. You can also do this by remembering the Museum in your Will or asking friends & family to send donations to the Museum in luei of flowers. Please think of us one way or another this upcoming year. With your support, I’m sure we will have another year in the black. Please feel free to come visit me at the Museum anytime. I will be happy to answer any of your questions!

Warm Regards,