FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
History Comes Alive With Storytelling
Valdez, Alaska, June 21, 2018 – “Museums, like the Valdez Museum represent the emotional and factual history of our community.” These are the words of Gary Minish, President of the Board of Directors for the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive, which is in the midst of its Annual Appeal. Once a year we ask everyone in Valdez and beyond to dig deep and donate money to further our cause. The Museum’s ability to welcome visitors from around the world goes beyond keeping the building warm and the lights on. It extends to all facets of community outreach as well as providing quality and innovative programming. As a non-profit organization we rely on loyal donors to help us meet those expenses.
Minish says his long-time commitment to “this wonderful institution” grew from fond memories of when his family left Aberdeen, South Dakota in 1952, drove to Alaska and started a homestead at mile two on the Richardson Highway, east of “Old Town” Valdez.
Minish writes: “As a child my favorite memories of the homestead were the animals and the wilderness, fishing in streams and playing outside. Looking back, the community of Valdez was more than a small town, it was a large family. Everybody helped everybody.”
After 54 years, the pain of losing homes, friends and even the town itself when Valdez was moved after the 1964 Earthquake is a constant memory for Minish. He says the Museum is more than just a place to store objects and artifacts:
“It is a place that tells the stories of real people through exhibits and education programs.”
In the spirit of shared stories and commitment to community we are counting on you to help out during our Annual Appeal. Every dollar counts! It’s as easy as “1, 2, 3” to donate online or you can mail in your tax-deductible contribution. Do it today and help us keep the stories alive for generations to come!
If you make a donation online, please note in the comment box that it goes to the annual appeal.
Thank you in advance for your most generous support!
Contact: Executive Director Patricia Relay
Tel. 907-835-2764
Email: prelay@valdezmuseum.org