GROUNDBREAKING aUGUST 17, 2011
he groundbreaking will take place at Music in the Park at 6:30.
Facts about the new Seymour Community Museum
• It is two stories tall, 60 feet wide and 70 feet deep. Because of the high water table, there is no basement.
• It is located on Depot Street in downtown Seymour between the present museum and the gazebo.
• The old museum will be converted to an old time country store with the second floor used for storage.
• The building will be staffed and maintained by volunteers who are members of the Seymour Community Historical Society.
• The cost of the building is $890,000.00. This does not include exhibits and additional costs such as landscaping, security system, computers, etc.
• Private donors or in-kind contributors have provided all construction costs and exhibit expenses.
• The building fund as of August 2011 is $1,025,000.00. An additional $200,000.00 is needed to expand exhibits and additional expenses.
• All donors of $100.00 or more will be recognized on the donor wall in the entryway.
• Naming rights for exhibits and displays are available starting at $2,500.00.
Recognize Your Family, Loved Ones, a Business, a Location, a Club, a Team, or an Event, by Sponsoring an Exhibit, Display, or Picture.
As you look over the plans for the museum/learning center notice the variety of displays. This should give you a better idea of the sponsorships that are available. Everyone who donates $2,500.00 or more has the opportunity to sponsor a picture, exhibit, or room. We will personally contact you to determine the brief message. Example: sponsored by the “John and Jane Smith Family,” or “Courtesy of Acme Engineering.” Another choice might be: “In memory of Mr. and Mrs. John Doe.”
Numerous large pictures and display cases will be located throughout the building. Perhaps you would like to sponsor a rural scene (cheese factory), a business scene (bank or store), or a display case featuring items that are meaningful to you (possibly school or military items). We will work with you and do our best to honor your request.
Listed below are the various levels of giving and sponsorships available
Donate $100,000 to become a Major Donor and earn naming rights to a large room.
Example: The classroom/flex space on second floor.
Donate $50,000 - $99,999 to join the Governor’s Club and naming rights to an office or room.
Examples: The archive room, storage room, or three historical display rooms.
Donate $25,000 - $49,999 to join the Senator’s Club and earn naming rights to a room or large display.
Examples: The welcome video, historical society office, gift shop, two historical display rooms.
Donate $10,000 - $24,999 to become a Trailblazer and sponsor a small display room or large exhibit.
Examples: The historic kitchen, historic doctor’s office, fair exhibit, school exhibit, etc.
Donate $5,000 - $9,999 to become an Explorer and sponsor a large picture or smaller exhibit.
Examples: A 3‘ x 6’ 1907 picture of downtown Seymour, glass display tower, etc.
Donate $2,500 - $4,999 to become a Pioneer and sponsor a smaller picture or display case.
Examples: An 18” x 24” picture or display space in a case.
Donate $1,000 - $2,499 to become a Settler and have your name listed on the plaque in the vestibule.
Example: Your name or the person or business of your choice listed in bold letters under “Settler.”
Donate $500.00 - $999 to become a Scout and have your name listed on the plaque in the vestibule.
Example: Your name or the person or business of your choice listed under “Scout.”
Donate $100.00 - $499 and you will be listed under Additional Donors on the plaque.
Groundbreaking Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 6:30 PM
Members of the Board of Directors of the Seymour Community Historical Society and the Steering Committee for the Building Project thank you for your support of the new museum/learning center. You are invited to Nagel Park on Depot Street to participate in the groundbreaking. Local builder, Schuh Construction is the general contractor. Every effort is being made to utilize local help for the sub contractors. Numerous area businesses have volunteered to make in-kind contributions. The historical society is grateful for the commitment made by many people to bring the project to fruition.
Modern Technology for Exhibits
While donations cover the cost of the building, additional funds are needed to help construct displays that utilize modern technology. In order to build interactive video displays that appeal to youth, it is necessary to work with professionals who have the expertise to design and implement exhibits that portray history in a manner that is lively and compelling. An example of this can be found on the society Web site (www.seymourhistory,org) where Horatio Seymour is brought to life to discuss the new museum project.
The plan is for most of the exhibits to have a learning component that will make the display meaningful in a fun, dynamic manner. This, of course, adds additional expense, but pays educational dividends. We are grateful for your financial support. Please consider if you are in a position to increase your commitment or encourage others to donate to this community project. The enclosed yellow sheet details the number of options that are available to help guarantee the support of the museum/learning center through many generations.