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Page 3 De ar F riends of the Museum: The effects of the recession has forced some museums and galleries to cancel, re-jig and indefinitely postpone or reschedule some of their programs and exhibitions. The harsh reality is, the sputtering economy is making us rethink how we go about partnering and organizing what we bring in. I can assure you that the Board and Staff of the Dundas Museum & Archives remains vigilant in adjusting exhibition schedules, tweaking hours; and worrying over sponsorships, exhibition fees, insurance, shipping, handling, storage fees, and day to day maintenance costs. Recently the National Gallery of Canada announced that it has experienced drops in attendance as the recession deepened. Attendance between 2007 and 2008, declined 23% and is currently off 8% in its audience projections for 2009. Here at the ´$WWHQGDQFHLV Dundas Museum up 34% over & Archives we 2007 figures, have an encourstory to 6% over last aging tell; visitor \HDU·VILJXUHVµ attendance continues to climb. When comparing statistics for the first six months of 2009, vis-à -vis 2007 figures, attendance is up an impressive 34%; in the first six month of 2009 we are up 6% over last year's figures. As many of you are aware, Carolyn and her staff continually strive to offer exhibitions and programs of interest to all. That said, we recently had to cancel an 'Afternoon Tea' which was to feature Norma Sheppard as she showcased her beautiful collection of vintage bridal fashions. The tea was intended to compliment the museum's exhibit: Something Old, Something Blue, Celebrating Wedding Traditions. I would be remiss in failing to congratulate Roberta Bailey, and volunteer extraordinaire Libby Toews, for their sterling efforts in creating this in-house exhibit. Over the summer months, visitors were amazed to learn the museum has nearly fifty wedding dresses, many dating back to the 1800s, which have been gifted to our collection. As you can appreciate there is always a cost in bringing these programs, exhibitions and speakers to our community. At the very least we have to cover our operating costs. In order to avoid paying a cancellation fee a deadline is established in ordering tickets. If the deadline passes, and we fail to cancel, the museum is mandated to cover the cost of the event, regardless if we host it or not. As a not-for-profit organization we are simply not in a position to cover this added expense during these uncertain times. We are always distressed to tell people, who call and order tickets after the deadline, the event has been cancelled. As it is our intent to continue to offer these programs, your interest and support is appreciated. Thank you! I would like to pass on a story which appeared in a 1956 issue of Ontario History, a periodical published by the Ontario Historical Society. Reporting on the death of H. Graham Bertram, 'who took a leading role in founding the Dundas Historical Society Museum,' we learn that, ' Mr. Bertram was one of the museum's most generous patrons, who contributed much of the material from the private collection formed over many years by his father, Henry Bertram, and himself. His financial assistance DUND AS was also great: in 1953 he established the H.G. Bertram Foundation which will continue to sustain the work that was always close to his heart.' To put this in its proper perspective, the Dundas Museum would not exist without the support of the founding members of the Dundas Historical Society and the foresight of Mr. Bertram in establishing his Foundation for the preservation, protection and promotion of the rich history of our community. Our citizens own these visionaries an enormous debt of gratitude! Many of us are at a period in our lives where its difficult to find something for that special occasion, especially for family and friends. May we suggest a gift of a museum membership. A Dundas Museum & Archives membership has much to offer: in its programming, exhibitions, archival research centre and out-oftown day trips to the Shaw Festival, the Stratford Theatre, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum. As per Mr. Bertram's wishes there is no admission charge for anyone to visit the museum, however, a donation box is available to show your appreciation and support. It really is the best bargain in town! Respectfully, Clare Crozier President & Board Chair