2025 Year-End Annual Appeal

Nov. 15^th, 2025

Dear Friends and Supporters of South County Museum,

The distinct sounds of history—the rhythmic clang of hammer on anvil, the satisfying clack-clack-clack of the printing press, and the quiet whir of a spinning wheel—fill the air at the South County Museum and School of Craft.

These aren't lost echoes from the past; they are the vibrant sounds of our mission in action. We are dedicated to preserving the traditional skills and tools that built our communities, from the ironwork that held barns and homes together to the printed word that spread ideas, and the textiles that kept families warm and cozy. Because of your generosity, our visitors don't just observe history through glass —they can touch it, feel it, and learn to master the heritage skills that our ancestors relied on.

During this season of Thanksgiving, we wanted to let you know how grateful we are.  Your support resulted in a remarkable year for the Museum. We were able to welcome hundreds of school children to our campus, host more history lectures, throw our annual 4th of July & Chick Hatch celebration, our 39^th Annual Folk Art Quilt Show, and extend our season well into the autumn with some “spooktacular” programming.

As we prepare for 2026, we have grand plans for future growth and need your support to:

• Offer More Fellowships to students who dream of learning a traditional craft or pursuing a career in the museum field.

• Conserve priceless artifacts, ensuring our community's history is protected.

• Host more hands-on workshops that turn historical appreciation into an experience for all ages.

• Expand our special exhibitions and open hours so we can welcome more of our community, more often, and share all that makes our museum so special.

We can't do this without you. Your donation to our 2025 year-end campaign will directly support these initiatives and ensure our museum, craft school, and working farm can continue to thrive.

You can donate online at https://www.southcountymuseum.org/donate.

Every donation makes a difference! Even a small gift can help support our mission of education, inspiration, and community. Stand with us in our efforts to teach American history, preserve traditional craft skills and make South County’s unique history available to all. Your contribution ensures that these vital connections to our heritage continue to be woven, pressed, and forged into the future.

With gratitude,

Rebecca J. Kelly                                                                       Lynn Wagner

Director, Curator, Artisan                                                        Board President

South County Museum is a designated as a tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service as defined in Section 501(c)3 of the IRS Code. As such, contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.