September is membership month for Rehoboth Beach Museum
The Rehoboth Beach Museum has announced September will be Membership Month, during which it will seek to expand the number of visitors and local residents who actively support the museum’s mission and programs.
Museum Director Nancy Alexander said, “Having a strong base of membership support is critical to the museum’s ability to expand its collection and permanent exhibitions, put on interesting and innovative special exhibits, and plan interesting tours and special events.”
Alexander said, “Our new policy, announced in June, to eliminate admission fees in favor of a no-charge, voluntary donation basis for all visitors has been successful in having more people, particularly family groups, visit the museum. However, this open-door policy makes it more critical for supporters of the museum to step up and join the ranks of members.”
Members receive regular newsletters and email updates on museum activities, attend exhibit openings and receptions, receive free or reduced-rate participation in special trips and events, get discounts on selected items in the museum’s gift shop and receive reduced rates for a ticket to the annual Beach Ball fundraising party.
Alexander said, “During Membership Month, we want to encourage local residents, many of whose families are multigenerational Rehoboth-area residents, to focus on the history and traditions that make up the special character that is Rehoboth Beach, and actively join us in preserving and showcasing our story.
“But a second prong of Membership Month is to contact visitors, many of whom return summer after summer, to urge them to participate in the spirit and events of our museum, and to have them return next summer as members,” she said.
Membership rates include $25 for an individual, $35 for a household, $50 for a supporting member, and $100 for an Anna Hazzard Level donor. Call the museum at 302-227-7310 to request a membership form or to join via credit card.
In 2013, in addition to its permanent historical collection, the museum’s special exhibits included World War II in Rehoboth, Beach Eats! featuring memorabilia and history of restaurants and other special eateries at the beach, and the Annual Needlework Exhibit. Monthly Jolly Trolley Tours of historical sites were held. Lectures and programs included: “What’s in Your Attic?” “Growing up Country - Sussex County Memories” with Everrett Moore; and “Sand Pails” with sand pail collector Rob Smith.
