Annual Appeal, Fall 2011

As we sat down to write this annual appeal letter, we thought about what we have accomplished in the last year, and what we hope to achieve in the coming year. Most significantly, the Navy has reduced financial support to the Museum resulting in some expenses that are no longer compensated. In this past year, the number of visitors was lower, due to a variety of economic factors, resulting in less profit in our gift shop.

But we’re not all gloom and doom! The Museum continues to be a great place to learn about our rich history. It is a fitting repository that honors our military personnel who made great sacrifices to protect our country and continue to do so. We appreciate and respect that they have worked long hours and spent extended periods of time away from their families to fight for the freedoms to which we’ve grown accustomed.

So many wonderful things have happened at The Museum and we want to share a few highlights:

  • What has happened this year!Our Educational Outreach Programs continue to be strong and in 2012 we plan to continue to expand them. This year we conducted 74 events and reached approximately 15,000 children through our educational outreach events. They continue to be popular events in the community and we are grateful to our Educational Director, Liz Murphy and her enlisted helpers.
  • Physically, our Museum underwent some improvements to the facility. Our newly redesigned Welcome Center with its Docent Desk features large flat screen information kiosks to improve the visitor experience.
  • We are continuing to pursue our efforts to develop a suitable outdoor exhibit dedicated to Submarine NR-1. While it may not be possible to obtain the entire submarine as an exhibit, we plan to have a significant portion available to view.
  • Our Cold War exhibit kiosks were modernized and upgraded.
  • In honor of the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, volunteers listed the names of those who perished and have lost their lives in The War on Terror on enormous banners. Over 9,000 names were written and these banners serve as a fitting tribute.
  • Our communication with members and donors continue to improve and some have gone “green”.
  • Our Gift Shop is still one of the most well rounded resources for Sub Memorabilia and gifts. An improved and larger on-line museum store is in development and should be ready in time for holiday gift giving.

But we need your support to make all this happen. Our donors and members make a positive impact on the success of the Museum. Please send your donation of $50, $100, $110, $250 — or whatever amount you can share. We welcome your gift, whatever the size and all donors will be listed in the 2011 Donor Registry and recognized on our website. Consider becoming a member at the same time!

Sincerely and best wishes,

Signature
David M.Goebel, RADM USN (Ret)

P.S. — Gifts of $35 to $249 will entitle you to a one-year membership in the Submarine Force Library & Museum Association. Gifts of $250 or more will entitle you to a life membership. Members are entitled to a discount on museum store merchandise, receive periodic newsletters and are invited to attend the annual meeting of the association.

Gifts of $100 or more may be made in multiple installments and gifts made prior to December 31, are deductible on 2011 taxes, to the maximum extent allowed by law. In addition, gifts may be made from an IRA as part of a required annual distribution.