Newest Press Release Sent to County Media: Community Continues Efforts to Save Natural History Museum

Below is the newest press release sent out to local media outlets today. We're hoping to see some of them at the meeting so we can get them just as excited about our fundraising strategies.

COMMUNITY CONTINUES EFFORTS TO SAVE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

A survey of potential pledges garners $27,000 in one day

On Monday August 17 a dedicated group of community volunteers and members of the Board for the Natural History Museum met at a second planning meeting to discuss the future of the museum. A survey of attendees at the meeting garnered potential pledges for $27,000 to help keep the museum open. Additionally, the group launched plans for short term fundraising and long term strategies to keep the museum open.

On August 7, 2009 Humboldt State University announced plans to close the museum due to State Budget Constraints. Immediately after the announcement concerned community members rallied their support to "Save the Arcata Natural History Museum." On August 12 the first community meeting was held at the Museum with over 60 people in attendance. At this meeting Dean James Howard and Associate Dean Steven Smith agreed to let the group come up with a plan by Aug. 28 to raise $120,000 and to submit strategies for long term fiscal support for the museum. A second meeting held on August 17 set forth a fundraising, marketing and long term strategies plan for the future of the museum.

The museum was opened 20 years ago with donations from companies and foundations. HSU pays about $100,000 annually for the museum director's salary, utilities, maintenance, and a portion of the museum's operating expenses. The museum generates a roughly equivalent amount, about $120,000, through memberships, programs, store sales, sponsorships, and donations from the public.

The next scheduled meeting to discuss the fundraising plan and proposal submission will be during the Board Meeting at the Natural History Museum on August 19, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. The group has also launched a blog (http://savearcatanhm.blogspot.com) ; twitter (www.twitter.com/savearcatanhm) ; and Facebook page.

For the most up to date information about this event and what others can do to help out the fundraising effort please visit the blog or email savearcatanhm@gmail.com . For interviews please contact Karen Reiss, 825-0465 or karen-reiss@redwoods.edu