President’s Report

BY: LINDA HOFLER, FRIENDS OF THE MUSEUM OF THE ALBEMARLE’S PRESIDENT

I am happy to report that the Museum of the Albemarle is continuing to work toward pre-COVID normalcy. It is nice to report that currently, the Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle (FOMOA) are meeting in person, as well as on Zoom.

FOMOA membership has remained strong. In fact, it has increased slightly. I encourage everyone to renew their memberships and to invite family and friends to join.

Visitation has increased to the Museum of the Albemarle during the summer months. The Museum Gift Shop has noted an increase in family groups. Individuals have visited from all across the United States, as well as North Carolina, expressing a desire to learn more about the history of our region.

Mark your calendars for the annual meeting on October 1, 2021. Our new officers for FOMOA for 2021–2022 will be installed. In conjunction with the annual meeting, the new exhibit Nell Cropsey: 120 Years of Mystery will open. The evening will feature music from the 1890s and light refreshments. MOA will also be serving as the headquarters for the annual Ghost Walk this year.

Staff members continue to do an outstanding job. As the MOA opens for on-site visitation, they continue to use social media as well. Programs such as History for Lunch are being held again on-site, as well as virtually.

FOMOA continues to promote the Museum of the Albemarle. This summer a radio marketing campaign was launched on WUNC, North Carolina Public Radio, to attract visitors from the metro areas of the Piedmont region of our state. We want to share the rich history of the Albemarle region with all.