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Learningman

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1 reviews

Review for FRIENDS OF THE O HENRY & SUSANNA DICKINSON MUSEUM, Austin, TX, USA

Rating: 5 stars  

[Now also includes the Susanna Dickinson Museum] Although the City of Austin, Parks and Recreation Department, owns and operates these wonderful historical museums on Brush Square, our independent nonprofit, The Friends, plays a vital role in engaging volunteers and sponsoring joint activities with the Museum staff, for example, the Annual O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships. I first became involved in 1993. In that time, the Friends have raised funds with book sales, auctions, producing plays, and publishing videos and books. Over the years, we have given grants back to the Museum making it possible to host exhibit receptions for the public, readings and talks by experts, special collection purchases, high school essay contest awards, materials for after-school writing clubs, and recently an Apple iPad for an exhibit display. The Board played a critical role in the restoration construction of the Susanna Dickinson Museum as grant writer and fiduciary agent and partner with the City of Austin bond program. We play a vital role at times in educating City Council members about the Museums and why they should be preserved and enhanced as cultural treasures. I believe, even though we are a small nonprofit, we can say we have made a big difference for the Museums.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Reach out and partner with more Austin literary, history, schools, and preservation groups to sponsor new programs and fundraising.

Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?

Definitely

How much of an impact do you think this organization has?

A lot

Will you tell others about this organization?

Definitely

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2014

Role:  Board Member