Director's Message

Summer 2001

The Higgins Armory Museum hosted its Annual Meeting on April 25, and heard that for the fifth consecutive year the Museum has posted an operating surplus. Trustees, Incorporators, members and guests were entertained by a first-person presentation of Joan of Arc, bid a fond farewell to outgoing President Michael Pagano, welcomed the new President, Steve Pitcher, and reviewed the 2000 Annual Report results.

Museum Educator Dianne Berg performed the part of the Maid of Orleans, a presentation that she wrote, and that had its debut in the Museum's rotating schedule of Saturday events in March. Dianne has been appointed the new Head Gallery Interpreter; her duties include overseeing, managing, and scheduling staff for programs and events, monitoring current education programming, as well as assisting in developing and implementing new programs.

Michael A. Pagano has had an eventful two years as President of the Board of Trustees. He has supervised the Museum's current strategic and 5-year planning process. Working closely with trustee Leo McManus and a planning committee, Mike brought this project forward and recently appointed a professional museum planner to complete the work. Incoming President Steve Pitcher will preside over the implementation of this plan. He has served as Treasurer, and has been on the Executive Committee for the past six years. Steve, who runs his own investment business, brings to his new position a profound knowledge of the workings of this organization.

The results are in, and the numbers for the year 2000 are encouraging. In a year that saw decreases in attendance at cultural institutions across the nation, the Higgins Armory was not immune to this phenomenon. Admissions for certain groups have decreased very slightly from 1999 numbers, but – in one year - website visits are up by more than 900,000 successful hits to nearly one million and our outreach numbers have nearly doubled. The Museum Store, under the leadership of Anne Burke, again exceeded all budgeted expectations, bringing in 25% more than the projected income for 2000. Additionally, the 2000 Annual Appeal reached its goal, a Planned Giving Program was established, special events enjoyed increased profits and numbers of attendees, and program grant support increased.

None of our good work would be possible without the wholehearted support of the staff, the trustees, and our volunteers. The Higgins continues to thrive due to their efforts: the staff whose enthusiasm leads them to continually add new offerings to – and new audiences for - our exhibits and programs, the trustees who provide such strong leadership, and the volunteers who give so generously of their time and talents. The Museum has entered the 21st century in an enviable position; we know where we are going and we have the vision, the resources, and the talent to get there.