Director's Message

Fall 2003

Exciting activities have been taking place here at the Higgins! As you probably know, the Higgins is implementing an ambitious strategic plan that will transform the Museum. Thanks to your help, this plan, which calls for extensive facility upgrades (including the recent $350,000 in improvements) has to this point, been executed without the need for a significant capital campaign, as is the usual for most museums. We have completed a state-of-the-art compact storage facility that will house the entire study and reserve collections, and after years of planning, the Great Hall will be air conditioned thanks to a lead gift from Janet and Gordon Lankton!

This fall, The Age of Armor exhibition (created by the MuseumÕs curatorial team) will embark on its 16-museum, 5-year national tour! The Education and Programs Department has launched a parallel Outreach Interpretive Program with authentic period-style costumes (made possible through a donation from Michellee Cabot, in memory of her son) available to a multitude of sites near tour stops. The first two Outreach programs, to Daytona Beach FL and Little Rock AK, are supported with a grant from the C. Jean and Myles McDonough Charitable Foundation.

Things are never quiet at the Higgins, and the next big activity is our 75th Anniversary Appeal. We, along with many other museums, are struggling to keep up with overall attendance goals and are anticipating a drop in earned income. The Museum has made operating reductions to close the gap between the cost and income, but we will not be able to make our 75th Appeal goal without your help! SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE HIGGINS by participating in our 75th anniversary celebration appeal. Thank you!