Annual Report FY09_Layout 1 - Hill-Stead Museum

Perhaps the most notable event that occurred in the last year was
the January 2009 arrival of our new Director and CEO, Sue
Sturtevant. Our search underscored the many strengths that reside
at Hill-Stead. First and foremost, Cindy Cormier and Marie Dalton-Meyer
performed wonderfully as Interim Co-Directors during the search period
and both were finalists for the position, demonstrating the high quality of
our staff and the strength of the resultant management team. Second,
the Search Committee was "blown away" by the depth and talent of the
applicant pool which spanned the globe! Finally, as we entered a period
of economic turmoil, the management team, during a period of transition,
ably managed Hill-Stead. While we did experience an operating deficit of approximately $150,000
during FY2009, the newly formed management team quickly took steps to contain the 2009 deficit
and to ensure a balanced budget for FY2010.
Maintaining the quality of programming and the grounds remained a top priority in spite of the
economic challenges facing all not-for-profit institutions, and our efforts paid off. Over 30,000
individuals visited Hill-Stead in the last fiscal year, which is an increase from the prior two year period.
Visitors took part in house tours, enjoyed lectures and programs, and walked the grounds. The
Sunken Garden Poetry and Music Festival flourished and we continued to attract new and broader
audiences. In the past year, we welcomed more than 100 new members.
As 85% of the operating budget is raised from scratch each year, I can’t thank my fellow Board
members, volunteers and staff enough for their steadfast dedication and persistent support of the
museum. This group makes generous contributions to our Annual Fund campaigns, which in our
most recent fiscal year grossed $252,000. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the 2009
Chairs of the Theodate Pope Riddle Society, Holly and Stuart Holden, and to the chair of Annual
Fund, Kathanne Fowler. We were able to meet our Annual Fund goals in both years, albeit adjusted
lower for economic conditions, and I am especially proud that Hill-Stead's Board contributed over
40% of these totals.
Our two primary fund raising events, May Market and the Benefit Dinner Auction, were masterfully
organized and presented by Hill-Stead’s core volunteer group, the Hill-Steaders, ably co-chaired in
2009 by Elizabeth Carter and Jane Edwards. These two events raised more than $250,000 in support
of educational programs and day-to-day operations. Kudos to Ingunn Hekneby and Michael
Bassock for so ably serving as Honorary Chairs of the benefit dinner auction and ensuring that the
museum’s most important fundraising event was a resounding financial success.
In closing, I am excited to report that the Trustees, Board and Staff recently completed and
approved a five-year strategic plan which sets the course for a strong and energetic Hill-Stead.
Included in our plan is the launch of an Endowment/Capital Campaign, and to jump-start our campaign,
Hill-Stead received a $25,000 challenge grant from an anonymous donor.
Hill-Stead, with its world-renowned Impressionist art collection, landmark site, landscape and public
programs is a place where art and nature meet in the most pleasant and inspiring ways. Please
come visit soon.
Margaret Darby
President, Board of Governors, 2008-2009
A Place Where Art & Nature Meet 5