I love the history of Essex! I first discovered the town’s rich history as the owner of The White Elephant Shop in Essex in the 1980's. I became a member of the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum (EHSSM) then and have been a member of its board of directors since 2002, becoming President of the EHSSM earlier this year. However, it was building my own Essex schooner, the Thomas E. Lannon, in the historic Museum shipyard that really opened my eyes to the contribution this town has made to the maritime history of this country - and how important it is to preserve and promote that incredible heritage.
I am very pleased to announce that after years of hard work, the EHSSM has been awarded a one-time expansion grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This is great news for our museum, our town and our region. The grant will allow us to:
- Promote cultural tourism to Cape Ann through new programs and exhibits
- Bring innovative educational programming to thousands of children and adults
- Care for our rare historical collections in a modern, climate-controlled facility
- Secure and develop our historic shipyard site in the heart of downtown Essex
The state grant, while vitally important, is only a start. In the short term, we are seeking to match the $250,000 we have received from the Commonwealth with an equal number of private dollars. These funds will be used to launch a fund raising campaign dedicated to creating a $10 million endowment to underwrite the Museum’s ongoing operations.
We are doing our part. Now we need your help. Everyone can do something to contribute to the preservation of one of the most important maritime museums in the world. If you are:
- An individual, please give to your fullest capacity
- A corporation or business owner, become a corporate sponsor and partner with us to add value to your products and services
- An educator, please use our innovative educational programs as a resource
- In the travel and tourism business, consider the Museum as a destination for your clients
- In need of an event facility, consider the uniqueness of our Waterline Center and Shipyard
This is a time of year when goodwill abounds, but discretionary funds run tight. Still, there has never been a more important time for our growing museum. The state has given us a huge vote of confidence. Won’t you please do the same? Your fully tax-deductible donation will be used to match this grant and help create the world-class museum that the extraordinary history of Essex deserves.
Wishing you the very best of the season,
Capt. Tom Ellis
President
