Annual Giving 2023 has come to a close. Thanks to all of our supporters and donors for helping us reach our goal! Check back soon for more updates.
It’s time for our Annual Giving Campaign!
It is an exciting time with national recognition being given to one of our local heroes. Southwest Oswego native Dr. Mary Walker had a fort in Virginia renamed for her in August, and next year her likeness will be minted on a quarter. We are planning some wonderful ways to bring her story to the public in the coming year. In honor of Dr. Mary Walker’s birth,1832, we are setting a goal for this year’s campaign of $18,320. Can we count on you to help us reach this target?
Annual Giving donations from individuals like you comprise over 30% of our annual income.
Overall, our yearly expenses average approximately $60,000, which include utilities of approximately $6,000 a year for this 13,000 square foot building. Over 50% of our expenses go toward utilities and general maintenance of the house. 25% covers our part-time museum assistant, with the remaining 25% needed for insurance and other expenses. These are the costs that keep the Richardson-Bates House Museum alive. However, there were unexpected outdoor repairs that were critical this year, such as the repair of a hole in a soffit and repairing and replacing downspouts.
Thanks to your financial support last year, some grants, and the work done by our wonderful volunteers, we have been able to complete the following projects this year:
- replace UV filtering film on windows in the downstairs period rooms
- replace the dark tarps with clear plastic runners in the downstairs period rooms
- treat and trim the copper beech tree as well as the necessary removal of a tree on the south lawn
As our donors, you know that you are not only helping maintain the Richardson-Bates House Museum but also preserving thousands of rare documents and photos that are part of the collections housed here.
Thank you so much for your continued generosity!
Did you know that if you send your contribution directly from the institution handling your required minimum distribution from IRAs, you might see a tax advantage? Learn more about considering Oswego County Historical Society in your estate planning.