We need your help - as a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization committed to collecting, preserving, and presenting St. Charles’ 185+ years of rich history, nearly 75% of our annual operating expenses are paid for through the generous support of small-money donors and annual membership dues.
During these tough times in the midst of a national health crisis - museums, especially local museums like ours - are at risk just as much as small businesses in our community, and are at significant risk of losing key sources of revenue that we need to operate normally for the foreseeable future.
Although the Museum doesn’t operate as a small business - we are an institution that provides knowledge and preserves the stories of all those who have come before us in our community - and we are sincerely asking for your help and support as well.
Just because we are closed to the public, doesn’t mean we stop working to preserve our items, perform research, or craft new events and programs.
Take a look at the ways you can help support the museum below. Taking any of these steps and pitching in whatever you can can help us come back from this crisis even stronger than before. We have a lot planned for this coming year, and we need your help to make it happen.
Shop the Curious Fox Gift Shop Online Store
Our Gift Shop helps us to supplement the Museum’s core operations costs while simultaneously providing creative apparel, home goods, and other merchandise from local vendors and crafted in the USA. While the Museum is closed, feel free to browse our online store for that taste of home for someone who no longer lives here, or to show off your own love for your hometown. We are happy to ship anywhere in the US. We sell gift cards too!
Join the Museum as a Member or Re-Up on Your Membership Dues
Members are the heart and soul of our Museum. Starting at just $30 for a full year of privileges, Members receive advance notice about special events and exhibits, 10% off all purchases in our Curious Fox Gift Shop, access to our online members-only section for behind-the-scenes looks at our archive and exhibits, and a subscription to our quarterly newsletter, The Charlemagne.
Are you a current member and unsure of if your membership is up for renewal or lapsed? Contact Marketing & Public Engagement Manager Tim Kirsininkas at tkirsininkas@stcmuseum.org and we can check on your membership status.
Make a Contribution
As we mentioned, nearly 75% of our annual operating expenses are paid for through the support of small-money donations from members and visitors alike, and we need your financial support to purchase supplies, care for our collection, and put on fun and engaging programs for the entire community. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Thank you St. Charles for your continued support of our city’s rich history - stay safe, stay strong, and most importantly, stay healthy. We look forward to reopening to the public soon and continuing to share our city’s rich history with you in the very near future.
Sincerely,
All of us at the St. Charles History Museum
