Historical Association plans large fund-raising effort
By Sam Atkins
Published in News on June 9, 2004 2:02 PM
The Wayne County Historical Association is preparing for a large fund-raising effort, which it hopes will help bring in new members and help pay for electrical work in the Wayne County Museum.
The Goldsboro City Council is giving the association $5,000 in the budget passed this week. The county has proposed $5,500 for the association, but its budget has not been approved yet.
Association board members will contact individual donors and businesses as part of the fund-raising effort. A good portion of the money raised will be used to update the museum's wiring, which dates back to the mid-1920s. It is wired the same way as the community building, which burned down in early May.
Nancy Delia, association president, said the wiring is inadequate to support the equipment that the museum uses and there are too few outlets. Some outlets are not working and they do not fit three-pronged plugs.
The association formed a three-member committee to work on soliciting bids from electrical contractors. The board is considering trying to get a grant for the work, but first it needs someone to look at the wiring and provide a cost estimate.
It hopes to receive three written bids, which would then need to be approved by the board.
The board also discussed the need for hundreds of more members to boost the number from its current membership of around 130. Some members expressed concern that dues are too high. Dues are $35 per person and $50 for a family.
Anne Angelo, association treasurer, said dues need to stay the same because the money is needed. Ms. Delia said the association should offer members more things to be involved in, including museum events.
Members receive a 10 percent discount on all museum store purchases and a 10 percent discount at the Royal Tea Rooms. They can also attend members-only receptions and parties, receive a quarterly newsletter and are invited to hear speakers at the general membership meetings.
The museum is at 116 N. William St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on becoming an association member or about museum activities, call 734-5023.