Coastal Heritage Society 2018 Annual Report

David Levy Board President

2018 was an outstanding year for Coastal Heritage Society. Last year saw the growth of many new partnerships and outreach toward new visitors. Specifically, we sought partnerships to connect us with underserved audiences in keeping with our strategy of “Making Museums Matter.” This has meant a concerted effort to seek out existing needs in the community, which we can impact via our mission. Last year, we primarily worked with children and youth during summer, after school, and school breaks to provide positive educational activities. Partnering with Loop It Up Savannah, Salvation Army, 21st Century Learning Centers, West Broad YMCA, and others, we were able to work directly with groups who may not have had such resources available to them otherwise. Often, these are families who cannot come to CHS-managed museums because of economic barriers. Even on-site, however, we were very pleased to engage more deeply in the Museums for All Program which typically offers anyone with a valid EBT card to enjoy participating museums for just $2 admission. In 2018, CHS eliminated the fee altogether to further the opportunity for these families to be able to enjoy all of the educational sites and programs that we offer on a daily basis. This outreach work in combination with our ongoing “Carts with HeART” program at the Dwayne & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital, “Healthy Me!” events, and literacy and wellness programming throughout the Savannah area are just some of the wonderful ways that CHS is impacting our community. We thank you for your ongoing support in these endeavors and hope that you are as proud as we are to be a part of making Coastal Heritage Society museums matter in a whole new way.

Sincerely,

Sandra Baxter Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer Board President

Our mission is to provide educational experiences for the public through the preservation and presentation of the historic resources of coastal Georgia and adjacent regions.

Breaking Down Barriers with Coastal Heritage Society

In 2018, “Making Museums Matter” meant taking Coastal Heritage Society’s successful educational programs to the widest audiences possible. While the locations we operate are not mobile, the stories that they house and the lessons that our historical sites and educational, interactive museums provide can be taken to every neighborhood in and around Savannah. In order to meet the needs of our community and spread CHS’s mission as widely as possible, we sought to make our programs more accessible, both on and off-site.

This year, we strengthened our Mobile Museum programming and partnerships to work directly with youth and students in over communities. The Mobile Museum delivered over 30 programs to our community partners, reaching more than 550 children. Mobile Museum outreach sought to provide outlets and impactful learning opportunities for students during the times that they needed them the most, including during the summer when school is out of session and in the afternoon and evening hours immediately after school.

Increasing accessibility to our historic sites was another top priority in 2018. By increasing our involvement with the Museums for All initiative—a partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Science and the American Children’s Museums Association—Coastal Heritage Society was able to remove additional barriers to entry for the families who benefit from our educational programming. A total of 109 guests participated in Museums for All at our sites in 2018.

Our special events continued to grow and were community highlights for both our membership and traveling families alike. Ever-popular events like “Frogwarts” and “Savannah Santa Train” welcomed over 1000 guests each to Georgia State Railroad Museum and Savannah Children’s Museum. Our themed-educational events including “STEAM Fest,” “Bug Fest,” “Cure Me or Kill Me,” and enhanced “Loyalists and Liberty Revolutionary War” tours also gave many guests the opportunity to experience expanded and enhanced variations of the programming that our sites offer yearround. Our Summer Camps thrived, and events like “Healthy Me!” invited community partners including Memorial Hospital, Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry, Oatland Island, Salvation Army, and Snapology to share their unique messages and build on the curriculum-based programming already in place at our annual events. This continued the momentum to provide us with the opportunity to build and grow new events to better share the stories and narratives that each of our sites have to offer.

Through our ongoing educational programming, our outreach initiatives, and our dynamic annual events, Coastal Heritage Society has positioned itself to be a cornerstone of the community, contributing to the educational needs in the city of Savannah and beyond. By bringing our programming directly to the areas that need it the most and by reducing the barriers to access at our sites, we can continue to ensure that we make our museums matter to everyone throughout our community.

Admission Numbers 2 018

40,161

Georgia State Railroad Museum

4,209

Pin Point Heritage Museum

24,553 Savannah Children’s Museum

28,073

Old Fort Jackson

32,875 Savannah History Museum

*These numbers do not include any booked programs outside of general admission.

ABW & JRW Foundation

Adeline & Mark Glidewell

Allen County Public Library

Allison & William Rhangos

Amazon Smile Foundation

Amy Hager

Anne Koller

Arcelor Mittal

Ben, Cynthia & Amanda Padgett

Betsy & Paul Bratz

Blanche & Steven Koegler

Byck-Rothschild Foundation

Carol & Sam Coppola

Carol Drake

Cathy & Robert Scanlon

Clan Donald Foundation

Coast Defense Study Group

Colonial Foundation

Creative Catering

D. Morgan Derst

Daniel Reitman

David Levy

Diane Kaufman

Dimitri G. Ressetar

Dina Barnes

Dr. Bert M. Peterson, Jr. M.D.

Dr. Linda Sacks

Dr. Robert Reynolds

Dunn Foundation

Dwaine & Cynthia Willett

Children’s Hospital

Edward Krolikowski

Eleanor & Melvyn Galin

Elizabeth Mojica

Emilie & Robert Miller

Eric Jarvis

Frances & Scott Smith

Francesca Macchiaverna & John Garceau

Gail & Al Haga

Gavin Gostomski

Georgia Humanities Council

Girl Scouts:

GS Troops 808

GSCM Troop 2008

Troop 2892

Troop 30004

Troop 40430

LGL Sister Troop 74611

Gregg & Merita Parker

Guerry Lumber

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Gunther Tours

H. Pete Coke

Harvey & Pam Geiger

HKJRS/Pin Point LLC.

IKEA DC 490

James & Hester McDonald

Jane & Alexander Hawes, Jr.

Janet & Dan Seeley

Janice Ray

Janie & Thomas Dunman

Jeff & LeeAnn Kole

Jeff Conner, Showpaints by Conner

Jennifer Fana

Jill & Eric Howell

Joan Chalikian

Joel Shortlidge

John & Emma Derst Foundation

John Tutwiler

Jonathan & Emily Puhala

Julia & Herbert Floyd

Karen & Ken McCune

Karen Jarrett

Katherine & David Rosenblum

Kaye, Don, & Jeffery Kole

Kelly & Tony Wiggins, Jr.

Kenneth & Nancy Hanson

Kirk Everson

Kristen King

Lamar & Sarah Davis

Larry Meyers

Lawrence Bos, Sr.

Lisa & James Grove

Llewellyn Dykes

Lynn Goodman

Maggie & Jackson Evans

Malcolm Butler

Mark Smith

Marnie H. Olena

Martha & George Fawcett

Mary & Howard Morrison, Jr.

Mary & Stratton Leopold

Melanie Hoffman

Michael & Gloria Lynch

Michael Humnicky

Michael Smolarski

Michelle Zajac

Mike Warren

Mitchell Hobby

Natalie & Matthew Chase

Network for Good

North Island Surf & Kayak

Pamela & David Young

Patricia Carmona

Peg & Ronald Morris

Philip & Cathy Solomons

Port City Logistics

Revolution Yoga Studio

Richard Burkhart

Robert Harrison

Robert Peters

Robert Pritchard

Robert Rollings

Rose & Stanley Konter

Sandra & Frank Williams

Sarah & Ryan Sewell

Savannah Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Savannah General Pulaski Committee

Savannah Termite & Pest Control

Savannah Hardscapes

Savannah Pilots Association

Savannah Volunteer Guards

Savannah Yoga Center

Scott Lindsay

Solar System Ambassadors

Southern Pine Company

Steve & Blanche Koegler

Steven Shields

Susan & Dean Helms

The Colonial Foundation

The Kroger Co.

Tim Foster

Tybee Beach Vacation Rentals

William & Teri Robinson

William E. & Audrine C. Honey Foundation

William Owen Blome

Statement of Financial Position

As of December 31, 2018, Coastal Heritage Society’s total net assets were $2,416, 331. Our net operating results improved by $159,196, thanks in part to generous donations and revenue from film projects.

Gross Revenue $330,818

$3,603,745 $3,934,564

Luckily, operations in 2018 were not impacted by the severe weather experienced in the two prior years. In addition to the increase in contributions and film projects previously noted, Coastal Heritage Society had an increase in gross revenue from booked programs of $150,783 and $25,000 from retail sales.

Booked Programs in 2018

Visitation from Booked Programs in 2018

33,433 Total

$3,306,873

Savannah History Museum/Battle eld Memorial Park-3,664

Savannah Children's Museum-3,852

Pin Point Heritage Museum-3,237

Old Fort Jackson-17,005

Georgia State Railroad Museum-5,675

Membership

Compared to 2017, membership numbers were slightly higher but generally consistent in 2018. Large growth corresponded to two events: “Seuss Fest” in February and the “Join, or Die” campaign in June and July. December’s total membership (810) was the highest monthly total since May 2015 (821). 2018’s average monthly membership (745) showed consistent growth over 2017 (724) and 2016 (687). This increased average is positively affected by the higher membership numbers in the slower winter months early in the year, likely thanks to the new “Share Your Love” membership campaigns in February and successful on-site recruitment at “Seuss Fest” and “Super Museum Sunday.”

Groundwork and research was completed for a new Corporate Membership initiative. Following feedback from partners and the Board of Trustees, a revised program is set to successfully launch in mid 2019. This new, increased cooperation between Coastal Heritage Society and our corporate partners will both grow membership and strengthen bonds with the local business community.

If you would like more information about Coastal Heritage Society Membership, please contact Ashley Rainge at 912-651-6840 x 301 or email membership@chsgeorgia.org.

2018 Coastal Heritage Society Annual

Annual Earned Media

New Partnership Development Initiatives

In 2018, the Society formed alliances with a diverse group of new partners. Several outreach events allowed us to spread our dynamic educational programming outside of the walls of our museums.

Restoration and preservation opportunities provided relevant coursework to Savannah Technical College students. Savannah Tech students worked on a variety of projects including masonry work on two former Central of Georgia Repair Shop buildings at Georgia State Railroad Museum, restoration of the Tybee Depot at Old Fort Jackson, and interior plaster work on the Frogtown Tenement Houses. Emergent Structures, a non-profit specializing in the recovery of historic building materials, used our office and storage space during a six month start-up period. In exchange, Emergent Structures helped to secure building materials to further progress on our Frogtown Tenement Houses project.

Georgia State Railroad Museum welcomed the Lowcountry Woodturners, a group dedicated to preserving and teaching the technique of woodturning. The Woodturners’ weekly meeting space and workshop is located in Georgia State Railroad Museum’s historic Colored Washroom. In addition to becoming Coastal Heritage Society members, the Lowcountry Woodturners performed demonstrations and sold crafts at our annual “Frogwarts” and “Savannah Santa Train” events then donated the proceeds tour events.

Coastal Heritage Society received a complimentary corporate membership from the Hunter Army Airfield and Fort Stewart “Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation” program. The partnership enabled CHS to participate in Stewart-Hunter Family events, providing opportunities for outreach, advertisement, and social media integration. Our museums will be the future home of four special events catered toward military families.

Further outreach occurred at the Morris Center for Low Country Heritage in Ridgeland, South Carolina. Members of our Historical Interpretation team conducted four lectures and one Mobile Museum program at the Morris Center. Through these continued programs, Coastal Heritage Society was able to make substantial progress in growing their outreach partnerships and programming. The Society anticipates building upon this progress in the upcoming years to promote additional collaborative opportunities.

Our dedicated Historical Interpreters and Museum Educators participated in outreach events made possible by the contributions of our partners. Revolutions Yoga Studio chose Coastal Heritage Society as the benefactor of their annual fundraising weekend. The proceeds benefited Mobile Museum programs with Loop It Up Savannah’s 21st Century Camp Explore at Gadsen Elementary. Savannah Yoga Center also selected Coastal Heritage Society as its community partner for the beginning of 2018. Two yoga themed events were hosted at Old Fort Jackson and Pin Point Heritage Museum. The funds generated from the partnership supported five Mobile Museum educational outreach programs at the West Broad YMCA.

2018 Coastal Heritage Society Annual Report

New Opportunities

Cultured Coast

Starting in February 2018 with Art and Oysters at Pin Point Heritage Museum, Cultured Coast provided networking opportunities for the community, while raising necessary funds for ongoing programs and preservation efforts at our five sites.

Moving into 2019, Coastal Heritage Society will look to increase the themes and events in the series. Cultured Coast in 2019 includes recurring events like Art and Oysters with new additions including a partnership with South Magazine’s Club South event series anda garden event on Mother’s Day.

Mobile Museum Outreach Programs

Bonnie’s Garden continued to break down educational barriers and further reach the community. Coastal Heritage Society historical interpreters and museum educators delivered five after-school programs at the West Broad YMCA and at the Salvation Army, and participated in Fit Kids Fest at Savannah State University, and the Red Shoes Run with Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire.

For many Mobile Museum programming participants, this is their only opportunity to enjoy these programs. Lack of access to transportation or financial challenges often prevent these families from visiting Coastal Heritage Society sites and these outreach opportunities provide a rich and unique educational experience that they may not receive otherwise. Your support of the Mobile Museum will ensure that Coastal Heritage Society’s history, nutrition, art, and literacy programs are no longer limited to our sites alone.

Carts with heART

Support continuing education for child-patients admitted to the Children’s Hospital at Memorial and Ronald McDonald House! Coastal Heritage Society’s “Carts with heART” program provides engaging art lessons for children receiving care and support for their families at the Dwaine and Cynthia Willet Children’s Hospital of Savannah and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire. The already successful program provides multidisciplinary learning experiences through art, adapts to each individual learners needs, and provides quality time and engagement for the children and their families.

Your $70 donation provides one complete “Carts with heART” visit for approximately eight children at either “Carts with heART” partner location.

Upper-Level Memberships

Give back when you join! Looking for a way to give back to Coastal Heritage Society while you take advantage of all of the perks of membership? Enjoy free, unlimited admission to five unique museums and historical sites and make a tax-deductible contribution with an upper-Level membership. Our upper-Level members gain access to an exclusive suite of benefits including guest passes for friends and family, free passes to select Cultured Coast events, or sponsorship of a Coastal Heritage Society event of your choice!

For more information on how to become a Sustaining, Preservationist, or Sponsor level member, please visit http:// www.chsgeorgia.org/chs/membership or email membership@chsgeorgia.org.

Thank you for your interest and support in all that we do. If you would like to make a donation to Coastal Heritage Society, please contact Ashley Raige at 912-651-6840 x 301 or email membership@chsgeorgia.org.