Funding campaign underway for one of Louisiana’s leading museums

Program planning is complete. Strategic plans are done. Marketing strategies analyzed and yet there is more to do and not enough funds to do it all. You can help, as the River Road African American Museum (RRAAM) kicks-off a three part series to raise money to support its general operating costs.

The RRAAM’s 21st year anniversary was on March 12, 2015. To celebrate this achievement, the museum launched its first GoFundMe campaign. GoFundme is an online method of “crowdfunding” that organizations and individuals use to raise money by reaching millions of people at the same time. “This is a new method of fundraising for museums”, states Darryl Hambrick, co-founder of the River Road African American Museum. “It was suggested to us, so we decided to give it a try because we know that there are a lot of people who have an interest in supporting the Museum.” See the campaign on www.gofundme.com/MuseumTrueFriends.

“Gospel in the Park” is an annual fundraiser planned this year on Saturday, May 16 at Jambalaya Park in Gonzales. Over a dozen youth choirs and liturgical groups from area churches will come together for a celebration of gospel music. “It is great to see so many young people participating in this event”, says Janice Linton, a museum volunteer for thirteen years.

The event is free, sponsors are encouraged, call to contribute 225-910-3302.

On June 2, at The Manship Theatre in Baton Rouge, the RRAAM will host a preview of the documentary film by Aviva Kempner, The Rosenwald Schools. The public is invited to join the conversation about the history of education and philanthropy. Dr. Thomas J. Durant will lead the discussion about the successful partnership between Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald to build 5300 schools for African American children. To reserve your seat,

Call 225-206-1225 or 225-252-0779. No admission, donations accepted.

All gifts are tax deductible. The River Road African American Museum is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The museum is located at 406 Charles Street in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. To book a tour, call (225) 474-5553 or email kathe@aamuseum.org.

Follow the progress on the social media sites, #MuseumTrueFriends on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. For detail about the museum, visit the website at www.africanamericanmuseum.org.