Welcoming more than 19,000 visitors annually, the Wright Museum of WWII in Wolfeboro, NH recently announced Project25, which celebrates its 25-year history by mapping out its next 25 years.
After three years of planning, the first construction phase of the project began in late December.
“Our Board worked closely with consultants, community members and others to develop a master plan that defines our future,” noted Executive Director Mike Culver.
The objective behind Project25 is to attract and support the growing number of visitors to the museum.
“With this dynamic and exciting plan, we are moving forward with the help of some key lead donors,” he said.
According to Anne Blodget, president of the Wright Museum’s Board of Directors, Project25 addresses five priorities identified in 2017 during “an extensive strategic and architectural analysis phase.”
“These five priorities include enhancements to exhibit galleries and storylines, space for educational programs, collections care, vehicle maintenance and street presence,” she said.
To date, more than $1.5 million has been raised for Project25 to help get renovations underway.
Renovations, explained Culver, will only be undertaken as they are funded.
“Currently, the work is focused on expanding our education center, exhibit and archival spaces as well as upgrading building systems,” he said. “All renovations are scheduled to be complete by May 1 for our 2020 season.”
Culver said future enhancements will include a Motor Pool and further renovations of exhibition spaces.
“At this point, we are seeking additional financial support to assist us in beginning these second phase projects,” he said. “We are seeking support to help us build the lasting legacy outlined in Project25. The leadership of the museum is committed to Project25, which represents a unique opportunity to get involved in something very important and exciting.”
Blodget said Project25’s “exciting priorities” underscore the Wright Museum’s commitment to honor “the greatest generation” and preserve their contributions to the American home front in WWII.
“The expansion of our education and exhibit space will enable us to explore related themes and bring in significant national exhibits,” she said. “Supported by improved video technology and a catering kitchen, our expanded education center will also be available to rent for functions or conferences.”
In looking ahead to the beginning of the 2020 season on May 1, Blodget said she continues to expect visitors from across the world.
“Project25 will result in much better use of more than 30,000 square feet of education and exhibit space,” she said. “One of our primary goals of Project25 is to enhance the visitor experience by allowing us to present the growing variety and number of exhibits that we have in a much more professional manner.”
As an example, Culver cited Vietnam: The Real War: A Photographic History from the Associated Press, an exhibition co-sponsored by Service Credit Union, that will open on July 1. Nationally-known, this exhibition has been referred to in the media as “one of the greatest photographic legacies of the 20th century.”
“With our newly created space, we can take maximum advantage of how we display an exhibit of this quality,” he said.
“This is just one of many exhibits and special programs we will host this year,” he added. “We are very thankful for the support we have received for Project25 and look forward to building on that success while retaining many of the same features that have kept visitors coming back here for years.”
The region’s leading resource for educators and learners of all ages on World War II, the Wright Museum is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to recognizing and honoring the contributions and enduring legacy of WWII-era Americans. Located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. the Museum will reopen in May of 2020 with a Project25 grand opening celebration.
