2007 All-America City Awarded to Barnstable, 
Heritage Museums Cancels Spectacle of Lights
Published on Friday, October 31, 2008
Heritage Museums & Gardens Loses State Grant
Holiday Family Favorite Spectacle of Lights Cancelled
Sandwich, MA – October 28, 2008 – Heritage Museums & Gardens announced today that the loss of a Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism grant of $74,000 for its Spectacle of Lights 2008 will make it impossible to offer the popular holiday event. The volatile economic situation, and the budget cuts by Gov. Deval Patrick, are affecting every aspect of life, including the operations of non-profit cultural organizations.
This would have marked the sixth year of Heritage Museums’ Spectacle of Lights – an event the Heritage Board of Trustees and staff members regard as a great community partnership and holiday tradition. Unfortunately, Spectacle of Lights is also a very expensive outdoor exhibit due to the rental of light displays and the cost of energy. Despite charging a nominal admission fee each year, the popular event relies heavily on state funding for over half the cost associated with the month-long production. “The decision to cancel is the necessary step financially, but it is one of the most painful decisions I have had to make in my 34 years as a museum director,” said executive director Dr. Scott T. Swank, “especially given that families need a bit more cheer this year given the state of the economy.” Swank continued, “Even with state funding, Spectacle has been a risky endeavor for us given the unpredictability of weather, the cost of staff, and increasing utility bills. At best, Spectacle is a break-even program, and we have lost money a few years. However, the risk has been offset by the joy and good will of the thousands of visitors each year. We are deeply sorry that we must take this action for 2008, but we will make every effort to bring back this community celebration in future years.”
Like many not-for-profit organizations, Heritage Museums & Gardens depends on foundation and government grants, and the benevolent support of members, sponsors, donors and visitors to sustain its mission and secure its future. Entering its 40th year, Heritage has significant plans for the next forty as part of its “Foundation for the Future” initiative that was planned long before the economic downturn and just unveiled on October 15. Immediate plans include renovations and accessibility updates to its Shaker-style round barn that houses the J. K. Lilly III Antique Automobile Museum, set to begin in January 2009. “Cultural organizations take the long view,” said Dr. Swank, “and recognize that we must make difficult decisions in order to guarantee the long-term preservation of our museums and gardens, and sustain our value to the community in perpetuity.”
Heritage Museums & Gardens will continue to offer other holiday and family programs, which run through the remainder of the year. These include: workshops on creating Holiday Floral Magic, Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), Traditional Door Spray, and Chocolate Houses; an overnight to New York City; a Holiday-by-Night tour of Cambridge featuring the Christmas Revels; and many children’s and family activities during school vacation. These events are open to the public and members and offer an affordable way for family and friends to celebrate the season. For more information visit Calendar at www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org
Heritage Museums & Gardens is a non-profit, educational institution that is supported by admission fees, contributions, memberships, and revenue from programs, functions and the museum shop. The museum receives support from private foundations and donors, corporations, federal agencies, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund.
Heritage Museums & Gardens is located off Route 6 in Sandwich, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, less than one hour from downtown Boston. Facilities include museum shop, a seasonal café, J.K. Lilly III Automobile Museum, American History Museum, Art Museum, Old East Mill, Labyrinth and Hart Family Maze Garden. Heritage Museums & Gardens is open April 1 through October 31, 10 am – 5 pm daily.
