Every Canoe Has A Story To Tell (And Preserve): 2019 Member Drive

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It seems that every canoe has a story that is important to someone. Maybe it's a family heirloom that you cherish? Maybe it’s an adventure you want to remember? Or an ongoing love story perhaps? Maybe it’s a special river, lake, or place you recall? Maybe it's a continent that was explored, history that was made, a heritage worth preserving.

The Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum (WCHM) wants to preserve them all, the canoes and the stories, so on the eve of their tenth anniversary, they are looking to expand their membership base in order to support their continued growth as an institution based in Spooner, Wisconsin. “By becoming a member of the museum,” explains WCHM Executive Director Jed Malischke, “You will join a community of canoe preservationists and story tellers, working together to make sure future generations can see our canoes and hear our stories.” And as an extra incentive for anyone signing up with their 2019 membership dues before January 31st the museum is offering a free waterproof phone pouch as a thank you gift.

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“When I think back on it, it’s hard to believe we have come this far in only ten years,” Malischke continued. Some of the highlights include the original feed mill building demolition and reconstruction in 2008; incorporation and IRS 501c3 certification in 2009; the first annual Grand Opening Canoe & Wooden Boat Show in 2010; bringing on board an executive director in 2013; hosting the regional WCHA Assembly in 2014 (and again in 2017); commissioning of the Rollin Thurlow Labrador Passage canoe in 2014 (and its retrieval in 2015); acquisition of the Tom MacKenzie estate artifacts in 2015; and construction of a new storage facility in 2016 for the ever expanding WCHM Collections. And all while building a series of new and changing displays to fill the exhibit hall and presenting various presentations and classes on various topics.

The WCHM currently has about 150 members, and would like to increase that base of support to over 200 in 2019. Membership typically provides from 15% to 20% of revenues. Plans for the future would like to see that increase to 25%. “Non-profits like the WCHM typically depend on memberships,” says Malischke, “Not only for a substantial portion of our operating revenue, but also to show foundations and granting organizations that we have wide spread public support.” So your membership donation supports the organization in two ways, and it’s fully tax deductible. Join now by Clicking Here!