FREDERICKSBURG – The President and CEO of The Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center says they will suspend operations at 5 p.m. tomorrow while it works with banks to resolve its debt. In a letter to supporters, Susan Glasser says the board has voted to give up the McKann Center and operate out of the old Town Hall building. She says the musuem hopes to reopen in the one building in January. What happens to the McKann Center building will be determined later this spring when the museum meets with the banks who hold loans.
Here is the letter sent by the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center..
AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear friends:
As long-time supporters of the Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center, I wanted to reach out to you personally with an update about important changes that are about to happen at the Museum.
The leadership of the Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center (FAMCC) has determined that the Museum needs restructuring to ensure its long-term financial viability. As the first phase of this restructuring, the FAMCC is temporarily suspending daily operations for several months beginning Friday, April 10, at 5:00. Then the Museum will be consolidating into one building–a dynamically reconceived Town Hall.
To our donors, past board members, volunteers, and corporate partners who continue to support us and allow us to supersede the expectation of what a local museum can contribute: we simply cannot present the volume and quality of programming we do without your support. From nationally recognized exhibitions to state-of-the-art facilities, we are truly grateful for all that you provide.
To our members who support the daily operations and share our commitment to fulfilling our mission: we ask for your understanding during this period of transition and thank you for all of your continued support. Whether you are a recent member or your membership is about to expire, the Museum will honor your membership for its entire duration by extending your membership benefits by the length of your remaining months once the Museum reopens.
To the residents who attend our programs, special events, and exhibitions: we appreciate and value both your participation and visitation. Please help us by becoming an ambassador to the Museum and urging others to support our community’s institution.
The ultimate focus for the FAMCC is to ensure its collection and mission withstand the test of time. The Board of Directors and I are confident that, once the Museum’s reorganization plan is implemented, the FAMCC will reopen with the kind of high quality experiences that support the city’s vision for expanding the cultural vibrancy of the Historic District. I want to let each of you know that we are working hard to continue that legacy for generations to come.
This situation–while not welcome–does provide an opportunity for the community to re-assess how it values Fredericksburg’s nation-shaping history and the Museum’s critical role in preserving and telling it. Show your support for the Museum’s transition from the McKann Center to the Old Town Hall by making a secured contribute through The Fund for the Fredericksburg Area Museum at Old Town Hall at The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region.
With kindest regards,
Susan Glasser
President & CEO