LOWELL, (December 15, 2006) – At its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting, the Board of Trustees of the American Textile History Museum (ATHM) announced its unanimous decision to make public the launch of a two-year, $3.9 million Campaign for the American Textile History Museum.
According to Board member and Campaign co-chair Ruth Ward of Stoddard, NH, the decision to go public was the result of the early success of the quiet phase of the Campaign, during which time the Museum has reached $1.5 million of its goal. She said the Board is 100% behind the key goals and objectives of the Campaign to preserve, protect and provide public access to the Museum’s collections; to renovate the Museum’s core exhibition, Textiles in America (TIA); and to build its endowment and its future in Lowell, as a partner in the city’s continuing efforts to stimulate the economy and encourage the growth of the cultural community.
Campaign co-chair and Board Chairman Kenneth J. McAvoy of Windham, NH, said that $1.5 million of the $3.9 million will be earmarked for a major redesign of TIA, $1.4 million will be used for unrestricted operating funds, and $1 million will be restricted to the Museum’s endowment and will be matched dollar for dollar by an anonymous donor at the Maine Community Foundation.
Museum President and CEO James S. Coleman said exhibition construction is expected to get underway by mid-2007. We want to provide a more exciting and comprehensive visitor experience and expand the story of the art, science and history of textiles from the pre-industrial era into the 21st century. The extensive renovation to our core exhibition will make the Museum more relevant to our audience in today’s competitive environment. We plan to achieve this objective by telling stories of the past and sharing visions of the future of textiles through interactive and compelling displays, he said.
Donations can be made on-line at www.athm.org, by phone at 978.441.0400 x 247 or by mail to ATHM, 491 Dutton St., Lowell, MA 01854. The deadline for donation to the Maine Community Foundation Challenge (ATHM MCF) is June 2007. For additional information and pledge opportunities, contact Director of Advancement Linda Carpenter 987.441.0400 x 241 or lcarpenter@athm.org.
The American Textile History Museum tells America’s story through the art, history and science of our textiles. Museum hours are Thursdays and Fridays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum is closed on holidays.
General admission has been cut in half during the design phase of the renovations as a thank you to the public for their patience. General admission is currently $4 for adults; $3 for seniors, college students, children 6-16, and groups; free for children under 6 and Museum members. Guided group tour, school, and scout program fees are unchanged.
The Museum is located at 491 Dutton Street in Lowell, adjacent to the Lowell National Historical Park, 35 miles north of Boston off Route I-495. The building is wheelchair accessible, and parking is free. Telephone 978-441-0400. Visit the website at www.athm.org for updates on Museum hours of operation during the renovations.
