Friends of the Museum looking for new members

Wrangell has a long history and a modern museum that displays the rich heritage of the community and its people. But the volunteer group that supports the museum is short of new members.

The Friends of the Museum raises money to support projects at the keeper of the town’s history. “That is our sole purpose,” said Michael Bania, who has served as president the past few years.

That includes not only supporting activities at the museum, but also acquisitions for the collection, with fundraising, advocacy and volunteering some time to help with programs.

Before COVID-19 ruined plans for meetings and new membership efforts, the Friends of the Museum counted about 60 members, Bania said. “They were mostly people who had lived here a long time.”

Now, the group is at about 40 members and could use more.

In the past few years, the volunteer group has given money to the museum for new display cases that can be adjusted and moved around the building as needed, Bania said. The group also contributed about $3,000 for materials to rebuild display cases and shelves at the gift shop.

The museum is in the Nolan Center, which opened in 2004. Many of the Friends of the Museum members have been with the group since the planning days of the new home.

While a few summer tourists join the group, which is always appreciated, Bania said, the volunteers are hoping more locals will sign up. Friends of the Museum forms are available at the museum.

Memberships start at $25 a year for individuals.

“The task recently has been to see if we can get more businesses in Wrangell to contribute,” she added.