A Night For the Museum returns for an evening of camaraderie in support of our local museum By Jillian Chandler This fall marks the 12th year of A Night For the Museum, a fundraising event open to museum members and business sponsors, and then to the public (if seats are still available). This intimate event, open to just 100 guests, provides food and fellowship, games, historical teasers and a live auction, making it popular and enjoyable for all in attendance year after year.
At the time Boundary County Museum buildings were acquired in 2006, the museum was functioning on a limited budget. The old buildings (dating back to 1917 and 1920) were in desperate need of repairs and renovations. “With that in mind, the Board of Trustees put their heads together and tossed ideas around the table, coming up with the idea of a fundraising dinner,” says John Standal, chairman of the Fundraising Dinner Committee in 2010. And A Night for the Museum was born.
“The success of this event is due to generous sponsors, members and dinner goers who enjoy it as a social event, as well as an opportunity to explore the museum, while helping to raise needed funds,” affirms Cal Russell, current president of Boundary County Historical Society. “One of the many highlights of the event is completing a fun and yet competitive historical game activity as a group, based upon a predetermined theme chosen by the museum staff. The live auction generates competition, lively bidding wars and satisfied winners.”
The 2023 date has been set for Saturday, October 14. Once invitations have been sent to members of the museum and business sponsors, if any open seats remain, tickets will become available to the public.
Since the event’s inception, funds raised have been designated for roof and building repairs, upgrades in lighting and UV shades for the protection of artifacts on display in the exhibits, a furnace upgrade (in the 1920 building) and the installation of a networking system of computers for the Archives Room. As of press time, the Board of Trustees had not yet determined the designation for the dinner/auction funds.
“Many people consider the museum a real gem or treasure of Boundary County,” shares Dave Gray, current vice president of Boundary County Historical Society. “The purpose of the Boundary County Historical Society shall be to bring together persons interested in the history of Boundary County; to promote further interest in the heritage of this area; to gather information, objects and materials relative to its history and development; and to carry on education programs concerning this region. The community's support at this event helps to achieve this mission.”
For those interested in becoming a member of the museum, a sponsor for events, or a museum volunteer, Dottie Gray, secretary for the museum, encourages you to stop by (7229 Main Street in Bonners Ferry). You can also call the museum at 208.267.7720 or email bcmuseum@meadowcrk.com. Be sure to check out the website at BoundaryCountyMuseum.org and like them on Facebook.
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