Financial Struggles
Butler's Maridon Museum, the only museum in the Mid-Atlantic dedicated to connecting Eastern and Western cultures, is in need of funds to remain open.
Established in 2004 and housed in a $3.5 million building through an endowment from late Butler philanthropist Mary Hulton Phillips, the museum has grown into a multicultural center, providing programs, lectures, film series and community events.
The Maridon Museum houses an 800-piece art collection, focusing on Eastern Asian cultures, valued at about $2.5 million. Many of the pieces came from Phillips' personal collection, but others, including the museum's recently donated first Korean piece, have been accrued by its art collections manager over the years.
Paintings, ivory, coral, rosewood and jade are some of the mediums masterfully represented.
“More than the collection itself, it's about being a multicultural center,” said Roxann Booser, executive director of the museum. “We are very vested in education.”
But, without a steady source of income, the museum at 322 N. McKean St. is struggling to pay its bills.
On Dec. 1, the Maridon Museum board of trustees launched an endowment mailing campaign with the goal of raising $2.5 million over three years. The principal sum would be restricted and interests and dividends used for annual operations.
With the help of a $100,000 grant from The PNC Foundation and several donors, Booser said the museum has about $175,000 toward its goal.
Janice and Harold Larrick of Butler are the honorary chairpersons of the fundraising campaign. Both have served as docents for the museum.
Janice Larrick, a childhood friend of Phillips, is still floored by Phillips' generosity in all things, including the donation of her collection to the Maridon Museum.
“I think it was a beautiful gesture,” Janice Larrick said.
“You could hardly walk through that house. There was something everywhere. It's not something that is common. It's a marvelous learning tool. I would imagine there is something (in the museum) to touch everyone.”
Harold Larrick volunteered both for the Butler County Historical Society and the Butler County Blind Association at Phillips' urging.“She, in her heart, wanted to give something to the community that would last. That is our interest in it,” he said.“We're trying to reach out to everybody, businesses as well as individuals.”Booser said the majority of the museum's funding comes from donors and grants, while the majority of its expenses are insurance and building utility/maintenance costs.Phillips helped underwrite the museum until her death in 2009.The museum's main fundraiser is its annual Chinese New Year's celebration.Philips' estate, which is not yet settled, is estimated to bequeath to the Maridon about one-third of its annual operating expenses, leaving the rest in the hands of philanthropists.“This challenge is not unique to the Maridon,” Booser said.“Every public, cultural place is struggling right now.”One thing the museum is not doing as part of its fund drive is raising admission prices. Those remain at $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and children age 8 and younger get in for free.Contacting the museum a week or so in advance for a docent tour, at no extra cost, makes for an even more enlightening experience, Booser said.“We consider it a community service,” she said.“Many of (the docents) know the history behind the mediums, as well. And all of them have a story about Mary (Phillips).”
The Maridon Museum in Butler has started an endowment campaign to raise $2.5 million over three years. To donate, contact rbooser@maridon.org, call 724-282-5130 or visit the museum at 322 N. McKean St., Butler.
