The Baldwin County Heritage Museum has received an anonymous pledge for another $1000 donation if the amount is matched by an individual or group. The Board of Directors are confident that this challenge will be met. Who will be the hero of the hour? 

Bud Stalworth, a docent at the BCHM recently brought Frances Cleverdon to see the museum. As with so many of the original families in Baldwin County, it had been many years since her last visit. They toured the facility  with Education Director Becky Holliday and discussed the need for sponsors of the museum. Cleverdon was pleasantly surprised with the many changes that have taken place in the museum.

She was quick to realize the value of to the educators in the county and had many suggestions and a great deal of encouragement to offer. " Any opportunity to welcome a member of one of the early farm families in Baldwin County, is a milestone to be remembered," Ms. Holliday commented, "Theirs is the story we work so diligently to preserve and protect. They represent the living example of the museums mission statement."

The Baldwin County Heritage Museum is the people's museum built with their donations and support. The County Commissioners contribute more than $32,000 each year. These funds are earmarked to pay the utilities and insurance for the museum. This amount needs to be matched by membership, donations and sponsors to pay the remainder of the operating expenses. The museum must also generate an income from special events and fund raisers, classes, and gift shop sales. This balanced record of financial responsibility is necessary to apply for grants.

BCHM sponsors provide the material and financial support necessary for the daily operation and programs of the museum as well as the conservation and preservation of the artifacts in our care. Services, such as electrical work, are receipted by the donor at normal cost and these receipts are used to prove the value of the donation to the museum. This is an important category on grant applications and shows the dedication of the public to caring for the people's museum. Gifts of office, refreshment and janitorial supplies are welcomed and documented in the same way.

A list of needed equipment, repairs, supplies and services is available by request. Sponsorships are tax deductible. The museum supplies proof of each donation to document their gift.

Bob Zimmerman has given the 1st $1000.00 sponsorship for the 2010/11 season in appreciation for the work done by the museum staff to preserve and exhibit the items his family has donated. He also made the first annual pledge to match this amount yearly for the next ten years.

For more information contact the museum at 251-986-8375, or email bchm@gulftel.com. Visit the museum at 122521 Hwy. 98 E., Elberta,AL -  approximately 3 miles east of the Beach Express. New Hours:Wed -  Sat. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed all national holidays. FREE admission