Dear members

Carnegie, Jan/Feb 2003 by Brown, Ellsworth

On November 19, 2002, Gov. Mark Schweiker announced that the state would provide $15 million of support for the expansion of Carnegie Museum of Natural History's Dinosaur Hall. Two days earlier, the Buhl Foundation announced it would endow the director's chair at Carnegie Science Center with a gift of $3 million, which will support the operation of the Science Center long into the future.

These two pieces of funding are testament to our community's incredible commitment to Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh's vision for the future. This vision is expressed in projects such as the expansion of Dinosaur Hall and the creation of an exciting "new" Science Center on the North Shore.

That we continue to have such strong financial support from people like you is especially gratifying during these difficult economic times. Personally and professionally, many of us have felt the negative effects of an unstable stock market and an uncertain economic picture. Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is no exception.

As you may know, 2002 was an especially challenging year for Carnegie Museums. The need to reduce our budget by seven percent and, inevitably, eliminate some staff positions was particularly disappointing because our four museums have performed so well over the past six years, continuing a five-year trend of reaching ever-larger audiences. By making budget reductions now, however, we are carrying on a long tradition of strong fiscal management. Most importantly, we are preserving the service we have committed to providing you, our members, and the many others throughout our region who count on our museums for education, inspiration, professional collaboration, and unique entertainment.

When you became a member of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, you demonstrated your interest in experiencing all that our four distinctive museums have to offer. You also became a stakeholder in the future of our organization, which means you have a vested interest in that future. It's important, then, that you know that our future is not only secure but also filled with great promise. The steps we have taken today will ensure our ability to fulfill our vision well into the future.

On behalf of the staff, the Board of Trustees, and the many volunteer leaders of Carnegie Museums, I want to thank you for your ongoing support and wish you and your family a happy and healthy New Year.

Sincerely,

Ellsworth Brown

President, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh