Presidents Report June 2024

To: All AFHM Members and Supporters

June marks the second anniversary of the opening of the Captain Lawrence House museum that has been well received by the public and tour group visitors. Well done indeed with much to look forward to as we plan for future exhibits and enhancements. Thanks to all those who continue to volunteer their time in support of this important museum venue experience. 

Regarding other happenings within the organization’s mission programs and outreach, they include:

• Participation in successful Jeeps on the Waterfront and Burlington Mercer Chamber Street Fair at the Roebling Museum grounds that drew 10,000+ visitors, ~200 vendors, and much interest in our mobile exhibit. (Note- The fair netted $17,000+ in revenue for the Chamber)
• Presented a Saturday Speakers talk at the Lawrence House complex on June 15th that featured Sam Davis portraying George Washington. As a Freemason he spoke about the Masonic influence and leadership in the Revolutionary War that was well received by attendees. The next program will be on July 27th featuring British Navy pilot Richard Brooks. An added bonus was the arrival of a local “Meet-Up” group of 17 who enjoyed a tour of the museum as well!
• Launch of our recently acquired Wallet Card that makes it easy and quick for people to connect via QR-Code with AFHM and receive notifications about our programs and projects
• Meeting with a TV program promoter with connections to Gary Sinise and actor Joe Mantegna that offers to possibly for AFHM to be a producer for a series that would feature stories about veterans with compelling military careers as incorporated into the plot. More to come as we seek potential sponsors to fund the initiative
• Finalizing a contract agreement with Suite Recording studios for the filming and editing of the “Right to Fight” documentary. This Burlington County grant funded project is scheduled for premiere during Black History Month in February 2025 with 29 short daily video clip episodes. An audio podcast initiative is also planned in promoting it throughout the Burlington County and neighboring regions
• Discussions with Thomas Edison and Rutgers Universities regarding student project and curriculum programs that would promote our mission education focus and exhibit enhancement visions
• Attendance at the annual conference for the NJ Association of Museums in Princeton.  Participants exchanged ideas, networked, and listened to presenters on various museum- related topics. Contact was made with an exhibit design and display consultant who will be visiting the Lawrence House for possible project opportunities. Also invited to tour our museum was the Association’s staff, with the prospect of them hosting a future member meeting at our site
• Presented two(2) $1000 scholarship awards to JROTC seniors at the Northern Burlington Regional High School. This totals three(3) awarded this year,  with the other at the Rancocas Valley Regional High School (Note –  We were able to get the JerseyMan/PhillyMan Magazine Legacy Club to award a scholarship for Rancocas Valley as well)

Respectfully submitted, 

Roy Plummer, President AFHM