WELCOME TO THE RELIANCE SOCIETY
Reliance Society FAQ's
Does my membership expire?
Yes, it is annual membership. This is the first year, congratulations you’re in the inaugural cohort! It expires July 31st, 2021,. You will be sent an invitation to renew in early June. We hope you find it a worthwhile venture and that you renew- and suggest others as suitable candidates!
Does this membership extend to my entire immediate family.
Yes, HMM would be thrilled to meet and to develop a relationship with the rest of your family.
Can I transfer this membership to someone outside of the family?
Unfortunately, this is a special invitation to an exclusive cohort of our most impassioned donors and as a result we are limiting the membership at this time. However we’d enjoy a referral of a friend interested and we will consider them at the next round of induction.
Are all of the events and activities free?
Many, if not most, are indeed free. This is essentially a vehicle to express our sincere gratitude for your ongoing support. Some however may be prohibitively expensive for us to deliver without assistance so we may need to ask for a modest fee to underwrite.
Is there a maximum capacity at each event, and will I need to RSVP in advance?
Yes, most events and activities are, by design, meant to be intimate with attendees numbering between 6-12 people. Partly that is due to Colvid-19 precautions but it is also in order that our members may have a chance to get to know each other in a more intimate setting. However, that said, there will be several signature events each year, such as a gala, in which attendance will be in keeping with state guidelines of 100-150.
Can I bring guests who are not family or associated with museum?
We will announce events well in advance; posted to this portal and in the form of emails to our members. We will allow guests but they will need to be on a waiting list up to one week before event to allow members first. We actually hope members will bring guests from time to time so that we may demonstrate to them the benefits of becoming a Reliance Society member.
How many members are there in the Reliance Society?
This first year the intention is to induct 120 members. To date we have 88 who have been selected to participate in this private social club. This Fall, 2020 we will re-assess and consider opening it to people referred by other members.
What is the criteria for membership?
Candidates wishing to become a member of the Reliance Society must meet three criteria:
1. Must be referred by an existing member.
2. Must have demonstrative passion for sailing, youth development, maritime history or historical preservation.
3. Must commit to making a philanthropic gift that exceeds $1,000 annually.
Is there an opportunity to be involved, as a volunteer, in the roll out of this nascent and exciting project?
Yes, we welcome anyone who is a member to participate in its growth and development. One need only contact the Director of Advancement Ted Regan to discuss further. Telephone 401.253.8000 ext 222
Wasn’t there a Reliance Society in the past? What became of that?
Yes, well over a decade ago there was a terrific precedent which asked people to commit to contribute $1,000 for ten years. It was a huge success with over 100 donors participating. 100% fulfilled their obligations. It was concluded last year. This project is proud to be building on its legacy albeit reimagined for the times.
Are there any ‘honorary’ members?
In fact, the leadership at HMM is considering that as we speak. Nominees include state and local public servants, sailing legends, HMM life-long contributors of time, talent and/or treasure. Others include those who are leaders in the fields of youth development and sailing programs. If you have a nominee we’d enjoy knowing more about them.
Reliance Society FAQ
Yes, it is annual membership. We hope you find it a worthwhile venture and that you renew- and suggest others as suitable candidates!
Yes, HMM would be thrilled to meet and to develop a relationship with the rest of your family.
Unfortunately, this is a special invitation to an exclusive cohort of our most impassioned donors and as a result we are limiting the membership at this time. However we’d enjoy a referral of a friend interested and we will consider them at the next round of induction.
Many, if not most, are indeed free. This is essentially a vehicle to express our sincere gratitude for your ongoing support. Some however may be prohibitively expensive for us to deliver without assistance so we may need to ask for a modest fee to underwrite.
Yes, most events and activities are, by design, meant to be intimate with attendees numbering between 6-12 people. However, that said, there will be several signature events each year, such as a gala, in which attendance will be in keeping with RI Covid-19 safety guidelines at the time of the event. An RSVP is required for all events.
We will announce events well in advance; posted to this portal and in the form of emails to our members. We will allow guests but they will need to be on a waiting list up to one week before event to allow members first. We actually hope members will bring guests from time to time so that we may demonstrate to them the benefits of becoming a Reliance Society member.
One hundred spectacular individuals currently make up the Reliance Society.
Candidates wishing to become a member of the Reliance Society must meet three criteria:
1. Must be referred by an existing member.
2. Must have demonstrative passion for sailing, youth development, maritime history or historical preservation.
3. Must commit to making a philanthropic gift that exceeds $1,000 annually or be a member at the ENTERPRISE level.
Yes, we welcome anyone who is a member to participate in its growth and development. One need only contact the Museum at [email protected] or by calling 401-253-5000.
Yes, well over a decade ago there was a terrific precedent which asked people to commit to contribute $1,000 for ten years. It was a huge success with over 100 donors participating. 100% fulfilled their obligations. It was concluded last year. This project is proud to be building on its legacy albeit reimagined for the times.
In fact, the leadership at HMM is considering that as we speak. Nominees include state and local public servants, sailing legends, HMM life-long contributors of time, talent and/or treasure. Others include those who are leaders in the fields of youth development and sailing programs. If you have a nominee we’d enjoy knowing more about them.