Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021
2020 has been a year like no other, that’s for sure!
While so many things can happen outside of our control, SMHS’s steadfast dedication and work preserving and sharing maritime heritage hasn’t wavered. As we progress with our Historic Preservation Fund work on the Boathouse and saving and sharing heritage, we are carrying out our work with, as always, our mission at the forefront. Like other businesses and nonprofits, this year was about responding to the pandemic. While it wasn’t all negative - we have some great new historical material on our site, and were happy to give away toy boat kits for kids to complete at home - not holding in-person activities was a hardship all the way around. If you are able, a contribution to the SMHS, a membership, a gift membership or buying a hat or shirt from our new online store is even more appreciated and important this year. If you have already renewed your membership or made a donation, thank you! If you haven’t yet, this year your support means more than it ever did. As we move into 2021, our mission is also critical to our community’s resilience, in bringing people together around culture, teaching kids to be resourceful, and building our visitor economy. In 2020 we were fortunate to hold our Annual Meeting “Close Calls and Lessons Learned” at the historic ANB Founders Hall just before gatherings like this had to be postponed. Thank you to our Annual Sponsors, who made this and other events and activities possible. Also check out the Winter newsletter for a story about an old boat with a new life, stories on toy boats, new maritime history material on the website, and construction progress. Looking ahead to 2021, we will be restarting our capital campaign events as soon as it is safe to do so. The fund grew over the year, and your contribution is always a great thing! We are now calling it Boathouse 2021. We will get back to doing talks on maritime topics, and hold workshops and classes for children and adults on topics including useful knots and repair of wood dinghies. 2021 will also see a contractor address the timbers at the opening of the marine ways bay. If you are interested in making a contribution toward a specific project, we are glad to accommodate that. Contributions of $1000 or more will be permanently acknowledged on the building, whether as annual support, the capital campaign, or special projects. We’ll be launching a survey for you to contribute your ideas for projects, activities, and how the SMHS can be of most value in Sitka’s and the region’s culture and economy. If you’d like to be even more involved in shaping the direction moving forward, we are looking for new board members. Do you have an interest in Sitka’s maritime heritage and in creating world class maritime heritage programs in an authentic WWII boat shop? Drop us a line by email or call. As always, your support, funding operations and matching for grants, is what makes it happen. Thank you. Wishing you a warm and bright holiday season, and a gratitude-filled 2021, The Board of the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society Mike Litman, Joe D’Arienzo, Stan Barge, Bruce Gazaway, Rebecca Poulson, and Josh Wisniewski |
Boatbuilder from our toy boat kits distributed in May
Volunteer Asa Dow working on toy boat kit
Unloading our new siding from FV Otter
Storyteller Ron Rau at the 2020 Annual Meeting Close Calls and Lessons Learned
Megan, Electricians Mate from the USCG Kekui, volunteer extraordinaire
Adding width so old doors meet new code
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