Herreshoff Marine Museum
Giving
Societies
The HMM Giving Societies recognize annual donors whose generosity has a profound impact on our mission to preserve the past and inspire the future at Herreshoff Marine Museum. Our partnership with our donors is vital to our success as a museum of innovation and industry. With two meaningful levels of membership, our Giving Societies offer supporters the opportunity to engage with the museum in ways that match their passion and impact.
Reliance Society
RELIANCE was the 1903 America’s Cup defender, the largest boat to ever sail in the Cup, and serving as an icon of pride in state and yachting history (it’s the boat on the back of the RI state quarter!). Over 120 years later, we continue its legacy with the Reliance Society. Made up of donors who have committed to annual fund donations of $1,000 or more, the Reliance Society provides critical support to collections care and exhibits, mission-driven programs such as the Lecture Series, and our educational STEM programs, on and off the water, for all ages.
The Afterguard
In sailboat racing, the Afterguard is the term used for the group of decision-making members onboard, who are critical to the team's success. We found this to be a fitting name for our premier giving society. The Afterguard consists of a group of particularly generous donors of $2,500 or more whose involvement helps steer the museum successfully in our mission to preserve, educate, and inspire. Their gifts support collections care and exhibits, mission-driven programs such as the Lecture Series, and our educational STEM programs, on and off the water, for all ages.
Giving Society Member FAQs:
By making a donation of $1000 for Reliance and $2500 for Afterguard, your admission to the Giving Societies will automatically be processed.
To schedule an NGH Model Room Tour, please contact Visitor Experience & Development Coordinator, Julia Turgeon, at 401-396-5847 or [email protected]
All Reliance Society participants get complimentary tickets to the Annual Giving Society Appreciation Reception as well as discounted tickets to HMM events. Afterguard participants receive (2) complimentary tickets to all HMM events, including the Giving Society Appreciation Reception. To reserve, please contact Julia Turgeon at 401-396-5847 or [email protected]; if you would prefer to have the convenience of reserving tickets online, request your discount code from Julia for future use. There are no discounts or complimentary tickets available for the America’s Cup Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Yes! Both Reliance Society and Afterguard supporters are able to attend lectures for free (limit 2). If you are a regular lecture attendee, please email Julia at [email protected] and she can add you to our ‘Lecture Season Pass’ list, which automatically registers you for every lecture that year. Otherwise, please RSVP to Julia as described in the previous FAQ to reserve your spot for in-person or virtual lecture attendance.
Please contact Development Coordinator Julia Turgeon at 401-396-5847 or [email protected] or Membership Coordinator, Marian Wenge, at [email protected] to set up the gift membership. Please have the membership recipient’s name, address, email, and phone number ready upon contacting HMM.
Typically, the membership holder must be present for guests to receive free admission, but for our Giving Society affiliates we make the exception! As long as you let our Store Manager, Linda Baker, or Development Coordinator, Julia Turgeon, know ahead of the visit, your guests can use your name at the front desk to receive free admission. As early notice as possible is best, but at least one day’s notice will help us successfully serve your guests. We can also supply unlimited guest passes to you upon request. Linda Baker: [email protected] | Julia Turgeon [email protected]
We are on the boating reservation website, Dockwa! On their website or mobile app, search for ‘Herreshoff Marine Museum’ to find us. There, you can reserve space in our marina. With their chat feature, mention that you are a Reliance Society or Afterguard supporter to our marina staff, and you will receive your 20% discount!
We are so pleased you are interested in our unique program where you can sail an authentic Herreshoff 12 ½ ! For more information, please visit https://herreshoff.org/sailing/#rent. To enroll, please contact Waterfront Director, Kirk Cusic, at 401-396-5834 or [email protected]
That is great to hear! We have several different ways to volunteer at the museum. Contact Julia Turgeon at [email protected] or 401-396-5847 to discuss volunteer opportunities.
Please contact Julia Turgeon at [email protected] to notify us that you would like to remain anonymous.
Please contact Julia Turgeon at [email protected] or 401-396-5847 to get all your questions answered!