We look forward to your active participation in the Reliance Society; an impassioned cohort of generous contributors who provide essential support to the museum and whom we gather together, in gratitude, for thoughtful and provocative events and activities.
Seeking an Invitation?
Please connect with the Museum to inquire about receiving an invitation to the Society. Click the button below to send us an email or call the office at (401) 253-5000.
Request More Information
"*" indicates required fields
Let's Chat!
The Museum Staff would love to talk to you about the Afterguard
What is the Reliance Society?
Reliance was the 1903 America’s Cup defender, the fourth defender from the world-renowned builder Nat Herreshoff, and reportedly the largest gaff-rigged vessel ever built. From the tip of her bowsprit to the end of her boom she measured 210’. Her mast from the waterline was 199ft. Her able-bodied crew numbered 64, given its massive sail area it was a necessary luxury.
117 years later, the nascent Reliance Society membership stands at 88 strong. In that we desire to deliver with excellence, events and activities, that are intimate and, appropriately, awe-inspiring we intend to limit membership to twice the size of her original crew. We hope our able-bodied and inaugural members will defend and advocate on behalf of HMM’s Reliance Society and support that growth. HMM continues to have a massive sail area; today it is home to the America’s Cup Hall of Fame; programming which includes sail education, workforce development, historical preservation and exhibition; and a world-class museum with a fleet of stunning Herreshoff vessels.
We value your commitment to the mission of the Herreshoff Marine Museum. The Reliance Society is simply one vessel from which we intend to demonstrate our gratitude.
Benefits
Please contact us at 401-253-5000
or email [email protected] for more information about the Reliance Society
Reliance Society Members will be invited to participate in:
- White Glove tours of the Model Room, Restoration Shop, and Curatorial Vault.
- Day Trips to local maritime museums by bus or boat.*
- Herreshoff sailboat racing on Narragansett Bay.
- On-The-Bay Outings including picnics, cocktails, sunset tours and more.
- Recognition at Gala and reserved VIP Tables. *
- Replica Prints of iconic historic images from the collection.*
- House Dinner Parties
- Luncheon Garden Tours ‘For Members Only’ hosted by members.
- Calendar (annual) of Maritime Photos by prominent maritime photographers.
- Large Herreshoff Museum Burgee (in the first year of membership.)
- Complimentary tickets to Newport Int’l. Boat Show.
- *Additional terms may apply.
RELIANCE Society
You are invited to become a part of our flagship giving group, the RELIANCE Society. Be an active part of the Herreshoff Marine Museum / America's Cup Hall of Fame, a growing institution, dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and its founders, brothers Nathanael Greene Herreshoff and John Brown Herreshoff. Enjoy our exhibits, special events, active waterfront and Sailing School. As a member, you will receive special benefits while supporting the Museum's programs.
Donate $3,000 annually for 5 years and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Herreshoff collection, receive a beautiful brass compass, the book Herreshoff of Bristol, as well as special membership privileges, including invitations to RELIANCE Society events.
Included during your pledge years are:
- Tours of the NGH Model Room
- Invitation to special events and activities
- Free admission to the Museum and Library
- Reciprocal free admission to over 60 maritime museums
- Access to boat rentals, including Herreshoff 12 1/2's Bullseyes, Sea Sprite 23's and a Cape Dory Typhoon
- Subscription to our publications
- Free admission to Museum Lecture Series
- 15% off dockage at the Museum
- 15% discount on all Museum Store purchases
