12/07/2018
ANNOUNCEMENT:
To our many faithful followers:
Like many small not-for-profits, RHS has struggled to maintain financial stability. Whereas in the past – from our beginnings - we were fortunate to be able to rely primarily on memberships and private donations, our demographics have changed and that model is no longer sustainable. We receive no public funding – unlike most other historical societies in NY State.
The Board of Trustees has worked hard over the past several years in an attempt to reorganize, economize, and find whatever efficiencies we could. During this time, we have developed a Strategic Plan, secured several small grants, held fundraising events, lobbied both the City and County for support, met with local sister organizations regarding collaborations, and consulted with United Way and Causewave about possible strategies. Despite these efforts, we simply do not have the resources to continue to operate as we have.
As of December 7, 2018 day-to-day operations will be drastically restricted. Programs will be suspended, and staff furloughed. The library (books, maps, genealogy materials, directories, etc.) will continue to be accessible by appointment only. And we will maintain our phone, email and social media communications.
Our primary purpose at this point is to ensure the care, protection, and integrity of our extensive collections. All of our artifacts are, and will continue to be, appropriately stored and secured. We are working with the NY State Historian and the NY Department of Education (our chartering agency) to be sure our collections remain intact, and totally accessible to the public in what we hope is the near future.
