President’s Report

by the Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle’s President, Linda Hofler

ello! My name is Linda Hofler, from Gates County, and I am your current president of Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle (FOMOA), having served on the executive board on numerous occasions—none of them as “interesting” as this past year. But then, it has been an interesting year for everyone.

With the pandemic raging, all areas of life have been a ff ected. All state-run museums were closed in March 2020. FOMOA also was a ff ected. Our mission has not changed: to promote the Museum of the Albemarle and to provide funding for exhibits, educational programming, and artifact conservation. However, our organization had to adapt to new requirements due to COVID-19.

Our membership has remained strong, with approximately 382 members. But many of our fund-raising activities had to be canceled or adapted to the new norm. In particular, due to COVID-19, rental income for use of the museum building went to zero.

We are seeing some positive signs, though. Our presence on social media has increased as more programs, such as History for Lunch and Tot Time, are being shown virtually. Videos have also been made to promote the Museum of the Albemarle. In addition, packets with handson activities have been created for children to pick up and take home. And, we were able to continue working with Ghost Harbor Brewing Company and Sanctuary Vineyards to raise funds through the sale of locally made beer and wine.

HAs COVID-19 restrictions are being modified, additional activities have resumed—and others are being planned to resume in the near future. New exhibits include Women Breaking Barriers in Northeastern North Carolina and Joshua, Judges, and Jesus: An Archaeological Journey Through the Bible, which are currently on display. The Museum Gift Shop has reopened. And, on March 17, 2021, the first face-to-face educational program was held with Dr. Scott Stripling speaking on his archaeological dig in Ai. On April 17, 2021, Tot Time will resume face-to-face meetings at the museum, but while continuing as a virtual presentation.

We are eagerly looking forward to the remainder of this year. Visit us in person or online, on Facebook or the museum website, MuseumoftheAlbemarle.com.