GIVING TO THE EDINBORO AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

 “A Home for our History,” phase two of the Edinboro Area Historical Society’s $250,000 Endowment Campaign, will generate a reliable source of funds to sustain the Doucette House Museum and archives for current and future generations.  The ambitious goal of a quarter of a million dollars, prudently invested, should provide dividend income each year to provide for operating the Doucette House museum and maintaining the archival collections, so representative of  Edinboro’s history.

When the late Forrest Doucette donated the house to the Edinboro Area Historical Society in 2001, he and his brother Edward also provided maintenance costs for a decade.  This generous support enabled the historical society leaders to establish a fund, originally called the Capital Campaign Fund.  Soliciting for contributions to the fund began in earnest in 2006.  Thanks to many generous donations and volunteer fund-raising events, by late 2010 the fund had risen to about 50% of the goal. 

By 2012 the E.A.H.S. must assume the full responsibility for the museum and archives.  So, at this time we are asking past contributors to please donate again, and we are also asking all others who care about the history of the Edinboro community to please consider making a gift to this endowment fund.  You may download a donor card here. The Edinboro Area Historical Society is increasingly recognized as operating an important community asset, and requests support, not only from local residents, but also from those doing business here, as well as those who once lived or worked here.

Contributions of any size will be appreciated.  Donors will have the satisfaction of contributing to “A Home for our History,” and will be recognized in a book displayed in the museum.  At the conclusion of the campaign, major donors will be honored in a permanent display on the premises.  Families, companies or organizations may pool their funds and for gifts of $15,000, may name a room in the museum [the double parlor is available for $30,000].   If you would prefer giving a donation of stocks or naming the E.A.H.S. endowment as a beneficiary of your insurance or your estate, please ask to speak to the President or a member of the endowment committee.  Credit card donations will be accepted, on line, through the Erie Community Foundation at www.eriecommunityfoundation.org.

Much is at stake: the beautifully restored museum, the Nathaniel White furniture pieces, the Kupper photography glass plate negatives, the archival records and photos of organizations, families and businesses.  Your help will make a difference.  Thank you.