News

A Special Message from Longyear Museum's President and Executive Director

October 29, 2012

Recently I watched a rough cut of Longyear’s new video, The House on Broad Street, for the first time. For many months, Museum staff had been focused on supporting the film—researching details for the script, searching for photos, scouting locations, and advising the set designer and wardrobe mistress. As the film played on the screen that day, I had such a sense of Mrs. Eddy’s total commitment to the Cause of Christian Science and her remarkable trust in God.

The new film premiered at Longyear in mid-October. I hope you’ll have a chance to see it soon, either at one of our showings around the country or on DVD. This film is just one example of how Longyear fulfills its mission to advance the understanding of the life and work of the Discoverer, Founder, and Leader of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy. Other examples of our work this year include:

•    Educational programs for preschoolers to high school students;
•    Summer internships for college students;
•    Collection care and historic preservation;
•    Print and online publications.
 

These activities and more share Mrs. Eddy’s life and work with an ever-expanding audience.
It’s always gratifying and encouraging to hear from that audience—from members and visitors who have been touched by Longyear’s work. Here are just a few of the comments we’ve received this year.

Having the internship at Longyear this summer gave me a better understanding of Mary Baker Eddy, and it helped me have a firmer sense of all that she accomplished through healing. I was able to apply what I was learning in the internship to help me with my own demonstrations.
  -  Longyear Museum intern, summer 2012

I appreciate the thoughtful care and attention to detail that is the hallmark of everything Longyear undertakes, from its preservation work with Mrs. Eddy’s homes to its publications, documentaries, and stewardship of the history. I can visit Longyear “virtually” from the other side of the country. I check the website frequently, eagerly awaiting each new addition to the Members’ Vault. The photographs and stories offered there inspire, move, and encourage me.
   -    A Longyear member from Oregon

The tours of Mary Baker Eddy’s homes made Mrs. Eddy’s life come alive in a way that no biography ever could.
   -  Principia Upper School junior, May 2012

While these thank you notes may have been addressed to the Longyear staff, they were actually written to you, too, as a dedicated Longyear supporter. Your recognition of the importance of Longyear’s mission plays an essential role in enabling us to fulfill that mission. Your contributions are not only deeply appreciated, but greatly needed.  Gifts from Longyear members and friends are necessary to support nearly two-thirds of our annual operating budget. Your gift this fall—regardless of the size—moves our work forward.

Thank you for your support of Longyear Museum and for considering a gift to the 2012 Annual Appeal.

With warm regards,

Sandra J. Houston
President and Executive Director