In December, the Museum was visited by a record number of visitors including the 3750 people who came on the one day of the Candlelight Walking Tour. People came to bring their children to see Santa, to see the fabulous gingerbread houses, and, always a favorite, to see the wonderful Christmas trees put up by the dedicated volunteers of the Robbins Hunter museum. A special favorite among the trees, moved into the Sitting Room this year, was the 1950’s themed tree with its bubble lights. Scores of visitors waiting to see the gingerbread houses commented that they remembered the lights from their childhood.
The search for the new Executive Director is well underway, with several interesting candidates. We hope to have an announcement soon.
As we move forward into 2020, we have a number of exciting and fun programs planned, including three Victoria Woodhull: Phoenix Rising round tables, the Garden Stroll and Garden Soiree, the Woman of Achievement Award celebration, the Scarecrows and, of course, the 2020 Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour.
This summer, the Museum’s collection of Clarence White photographs will be featured in a joint exhibition at The Works and the Columbus Museum of Art. The importance of White in the history of photography cannot be underestimated. He was self-taught, but with an eye that attracted the attention of the nation’s great photographers. Alfred Stieglitz came to Newark to meet him after seeing one of his images in an exhibition, and together the two brought the world of photography to Licking County. The pair hosted two exhibitions, one in 1898 and the other in 1899, that were held at the Newark YMCA. The shows featured an array of the vanguard of photography at the time. I encourage you to attend both The Works’ and Columbus Museum of Art’s exhibitions to learn more about the man who is credited as the teacher of Edward Steichen, Margaret Bourke-White, and Dorothea Lange. You will not be disappointed.
I am particularly pleased to be able to announce that we have three exciting new membership benefits:
· A 10% discount at Alfie’s Wholesome Food
· A 10% discount at Just WRITE
· Reciprocal arrangements with over a thousand museums nationwide that members can visit for free or at a reduced admission, including discounts in the museum cafes and gift shops
These benefits are in addition to all that we have offered in the past, which, depending on your membership level, include discounts on rentals of our spaces, and, of course 221 Broadway East.
Speaking of rental spaces, the wonderful Octagon room can now be rented for intimate dinner parties, luncheons, teas, or even business meetings. This is through the generosity and hard work of board member Kevin Kerr, who has done an outstanding job of preparing the room for this use. I can literally say that people who see this space gasp. The room can be rented on a do-it-yourself basis or we can handle everything for you.
2020 promises to be an exciting year, jam packed with programming and fun events. I look forward to seeing all of you as we get ready to open the doors in April.