Message from Â鶹ֱ²¥’s Board Chair
Dear Â鶹ֱ²¥ friends:
In about 6 weeks, we will conclude another successful Â鶹ֱ²¥ fiscal year (June 30). This year, by working together, we have made substantial progress in increasing Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s capacity to fulfill our mission in the face of unexpected headwinds.
You, as an Â鶹ֱ²¥ member and friend, support our solid foundation—strong publications, an engaging annual meeting, enhanced support for fieldwork, and careful stewardship of funds. Conflicts around the world continue to impact our annual meeting attendance and will affect summer fieldwork opportunities. Nevertheless, your membership and gifts advance our shared goals.
This year, 2025, marks the conclusion of one major initiative and the beginning of another.
On Saturday evening of the Annual Meeting in Boston, we will celebrate Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s 125th anniversary and the successful completion of the $5 million Â鶹ֱ²¥ 2025 campaign. So far, you have helped us raise $4.6 million. We’re nearly there! Your support of this fundraising initiative enables Â鶹ֱ²¥ to thrive and innovate despite challenges to the humanities and threats to cultural heritage around the world. Discounted tickets for the anniversary celebration are available, and we encourage all friends, members and supporters to join us.
As the Â鶹ֱ²¥ 2025 fundraising effort winds down, we have already begun another key initiative: to update our strategic plan for the years 2026 – 2030. Our President, Sharon Herbert, and President-Elect, Jane DeRose Evans, are leading a task force to consult members, develop the plan, and send it to the Board of Trustees.
As we near the end of the fiscal year (June 30), I ask you to consider an unrestricted gift to Â鶹ֱ²¥. We are currently about $40,000 short of our Annual Fund goal of $140,000. The Annual Fund allows Â鶹ֱ²¥ to deliver its programs effectively. Changes to federal grants impact staff support and our cultural heritage work, so your participation is even more important this year.
If you have already contributed this fiscal year, thank you. If you haven’t yet made a gift (or if you have contributed but can make another gift to help at this challenging time), I hope you will join me in giving before June 30. I deeply appreciate your support.
Best regards,
Sheldon M. Fox
Chairman, Board of Trustees