Mercer Museum Receives Grant From William Penn Foundation

The Mercer Museum has received a multi-year grant from the William Penn Foundation in the amount of $183,810 to establish the position of Curator of Exhibitions. Funds also provide general support for the Museum Exhibition Program.

"We are extremely grateful to the William Penn Foundation for funding the position of Curator of Exhibitions at the Mercer Museum," said Mercer Museum Executive Director, Doug Dolan. "This newly created position will play a pivotal role in developing the new changing exhibits program to attract and engage new audiences as we move to transform the Mercer Museum. Further, the Foundation’s support is an important component of building organizational capacity for the Mercer Museum.”

The Mercer will mount six or more changing exhibits a year along with related programming. The goal is to transform the 96-year-old museum from a one-time visit to one of continuing engagement and excitement. 

Some of the exhibitions planned for 2012 include, Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow: Living with the Atomic Bomb: 1945-1965, Bold Patterns, Bright Colors, 1850-1915, The Hunt for Treasure! and Stitches in Time: Needlework from the Mercer Collection.

The Mercer Museum funded through a successful $12.5 million capital campaign.

The long-awaited expansion provides a state-of-the-art 3,500 square foot changing exhibition space, 1,000 square foot Learning Center, new visitor amenities and site improvements.

The expansion allows the museum to provide new and changing experiences to wider audiences. The original core of the historic has been kept intact and the National Historic Landmark continues to amaze and delight visitors.

Founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, the William Penn Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia region through efforts that foster cultural expression, strengthen children’s futures, and deepen connections to nature and community.

In partnership with others, the Foundation works to advance a vital, just, and caring community. Learn more about the Foundation online at www.williampennfoundation.org.