Asking for Help

Friends and Supporters-

Over the years, you've supported the Dahlgren Heritage Foundation and that's allowed us to operate the Dahlgren Heritage Museum and provide a variety of events and exhibits. I'm writing today to give you an update on our status and to ask for your help.

In the 15 years since the foundation was formed and the more than 12 years since the museum opened its doors, we've accomplished quite a lot. The museum has gone from being open a couple of days each month to five days a week.  We've developed new exhibits, such as our Pioneers of Dahlgren series, banners, and online material on a new website. We've hosted forums at Mary Washington and STEM events at the museum. 

We've been successful finding grants to pay for all of this and for the college interns who did much of the work. Unfortunately, grants don't pay the operating costs that come with running a museum. In our case, that comes to more than $4000 per month. 

Our memberships and donations haven't been meeting the need, and our financial situation is dire. We're looking for ways to cut costs and new sources of revenue, but we may soon be forced to take drastic measures.

You've supported us in the past and we urgently need your help now. Renewing your membership and making additional donations will help us keep the doors open while we get to a long-term solution. 

If you value our mission to preserve the history of the Navy in King George and neighboring counties, please help!

Rob Gates

President, Dahlgren Heritage Foundation