Presidents Report April 2024

To: All AFHM Members and Supporters 

With the earthquake and solar eclipse now behind us, and the propect of more “April Showers” still ahead, we find ourselves nearing the event schedule for the mobile museum unit that will launch with its first opportunity as part of the Burlington Mercer Chamber of Commerce Street Fair on May 18th at the Roebling Museum grounds. This will be a major event that already has 150+ vendors signed up so stay tuned for more details and plan to support it. Beyond that we have the following happenings and actions to report:

• Introduction of a new “Wallet Group” digital marketing and communications tool that will facilitate connecting with our audiences at public events and networking opportunities. The tool uses CR-Code technology that makes for an easy and quick connection via a smartphone that each of us will be able to use in interactions with others. Specifics will be covered at our upcoming meeting on April 19th at the Town & Country Diner
• Submission of required Burlington County documents for the release of grant funds that will support out blacks in the military “Right to Fight” documentary series. The initial award amount will be for $7,500, with a final payment of $2,500 upon completion of the project that is targeted for the end of 2024. Currently a possible RVN-TV program is under consideration, along with a Comcast advertising promotion campaign
• Completion of a “Standards of Excellence” self assessment as aligned with the America Association for State and Local History (AASLH)organization that assists museums with their mission focus and required compliance factors. We were assessed at a Basic level against six (6) standard of performance levels (e.g. Mission/Vision/Governance, Audience, Interpretation, Collections, Historic Structures & Landscapes, Management). An action plan is in process toward achieving a higher level of performance over the next 1-3 years (e.g. Good, Better). This assessment initiative has the potential for greater eligibility and acceptance with regard to future grant pursuits while ensuring we are performing to the best of our capabilities as a functioning museum entity
• Exploratory projects are in process that may hold promise for expanding our reach and program/events offerings that include: An alliance with the Summerseat Historical Society (Morrisville, PA); Military history themed miniature golf course (Springfield, NJ Golf Course complex). Stay tuned for more details and updates!
• Scheduled JBMDL table events and presentations (Retirees Day – 5/4; Heritage Conference – 5/14). Additionally AFHM will host a meeting of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) on Sept 12th at the BCHS/Lawrence House complex
• Planned awards of JROTC/ROTC related scholarships to graduating high school seniors at both Shawnee and Northern Burlington. An added consideration will be through MOAA who has an existing program where we have an opportunity to expand and enhance its reach. Targeted awards for this year are projected to be a total of 5-6 scholarships at $1000 each (Note: AFHM also made a recent $1000 donation to a scholarship trust of the late Bordentown Township Mayor Steve Benowitz in his honor and remembrance)

Respectfully submitted,
 
Roy Plummer, President AFHM

www.afhmus,org