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Donating to the Museum

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Support the Nordic Heritage Museum

Donating to the Museum

Make a Donation

You can donate safely and easily online now: DONATE ONLINE.

Alternately, you are invited to make a donation by calling the Museum at (206) 789-5707 ext. 39. Or, you can send a check to:

Nordic Heritage Museum
3014 NW 67th St
Seattle, WA 98117


Thank you for considering a gift to the Museum! Your contribution can be directed to the Capital Campaign, the Endowment Fund, or the Annual Fund. The Annual Fund is designed to augment annual revenue from other existing sources such as membership dues, admission fees, and fundraising events. Unrestricted donations to the Annual Fund cover general operating costs and allow the Nordic Heritage Museum to offer many public programs at little or no cost to the public.

Under the extended charitable IRA legislation, if you are age 70½ or older, you can make charitable gifts using funds from your individual retirement accounts (IRAs) without undesirable tax effects. For more information, please consult with your tax advisor.

If you are interested in donating collection items, please see more information here.




Capital Campaign
Fjord Hall
The Nordic Heritage Museum is presently housed in a structure built in 1907 and leased from the Seattle School District. Museum leaders have long recognized the need for a new purpose-built facility that will allow the organization to realize its potential as a modern museum and thriving community center. This new facility will not only enhance the Museum's programmatic offerings, but will ensure its future.

In 2009, with the help of gracious donors, the Museum completed the purchase of the future building site on Market Street between 26th Ave NW and 28th Ave NW in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. Then, in June 2012, the Board approved the current $45 million Museum plans outlined here.

Key stakeholders including Museum members and Capital Campaign donors came together this summer to hear about our progress in the campaign for a new, permanent home on Market Street. Presentations included information about fundraising activities and plans for the new facility.

The current plan features 53,000 sq. ft. of new purpose-built construction, which will include interactive and immersive core exhibitions, dedicated areas for classrooms and a craft studio, and a state-of-the art auditorium, ideal for presentations and performances. Temporary exhibitions will be presented in a dynamic 4,000 sq. ft. gallery, designed to accommodate world-class exhibitions from the national galleries of the Nordic countries. An additional 4,000 sq. ft. of climate-controlled storage will allow for appropriate stewardship of our important and expanding collection of art and objects.

Plans for the new Nordic Heritage Museum will integrate Nordic sensibility into every aspect of its design, programming, and operations. Core exhibitions will share Nordic and Nordic-American cultural heritage with a wide audience, and the facility will incorporate Nordic ideals such as functional design and environmental sustainability.

Just a few of the highlights:

With our plan of opening the new Museum in 2015, we have established a goal of raising $5M by years end, which will allow us to complete the planning and permitting process. With less than $19M to raise for the entire project, we are at an exciting point in the campaign; with your continued support the new Museum is within our grasp.

If you would like to make a contribution to the Capital Campaign, you can donate online or you can contact CEO Eric Nelson at ericn@nordicmuseum.org or 206-789-5707, x14.


For more information on the images below, click the full-screen icon in the bottom right corner, then choose "Show Info" to view captions.






Heritage Gifts-The Endowment Fund

A strong endowment fund is crucial to the Museum’s long-range plans. Donations to the Nordic Heritage Museum Endowment, known as “Heritage Gifts,” are an investment in the future excellence of the Museum. A Heritage Gift is added to the endowment principal for investment. The reliability of endowment income allows the Nordic Heritage Museum to plan for the future by ensuring a steady stream of funding for its growing programs and services and the personnel to support them as the Museum grows.

Heritage Gifts provide stable funding for the Museum’s expenditures and affords donors the opportunity to make a lasting contribution. These resources help to ensure that the Museum will continue delivering its mission for generations to come.




Planned Giving and the Nordic Legacy Circle

The Nordic Legacy Circle recognizes supporters who have generously included the Nordic Heritage Museum in their estate plans. These planned gifts are essential to the future financial stability of the Museum, supporting the development of exhibits and programs and preserving a heritage that has shaped our community.

Nordic Legacy Circle members Curtis Jacobs and his beloved wife Shirley, who passed away in December 2010, joined the Museum in 1994, becoming involved in all activities of the Finn Room and volunteering at many events such as Viking Days and Yulefest

The more time they spent at the Museum, the more they realized that they wanted to help ensure the future of the Museum. The Jacobs wanted their estate to help support an organization that has provided so many years of friendship, reflection and community involvement. An interest in genealogy was also a key factor in choosing to include the Museum in their estate plans. The Jacobs felt strongly that there needs to be a place for the next generation to understand and appreciate where their ancestors came from and what they have accomplished.

"It is never too early to consider what you might want to do with your estate," said Curtis.

Considering a planned or deferred gift provides a way to "leave a legacy," while also ensuring the Museum's future success.

There are numerous tax-advantaged ways to support the Museum both now and in the future. One of the most common is a bequest, which may include cash, securities, and real estate or other property. The Museum also accepts retirement proceeds and life insurance, and is happy to work with you should you have other wishes. Planned gifts may be directed toward unrestricted use, the Endowment, or specific purposes such as the Capital Campaign, special exhibits, or programs. The exact form may be a bequest, a clause in a will, or perhaps a tax-free distribution from an IRA (for those 70 and one-half years or older).

Members of the Nordic Legacy Circle are recognized in the Annual Report and are invited to attend special events. Members may also choose to have their plans remain anonymous.

If you have already included the Museum in your estate plan, we thank you! Please notify us so that we may recognize you as a member of the Nordic Legacy Circle, and to start receiving benefits of that membership. For additional information about the Nordic Legacy Circle, its benefits, and how to make a planned gift to the Museum, contact the Development department at (206)789-5707 ext. 14 or ericn@nordicmuseum.org.




Become a Member


To become a Member of the Nordic Heritage Museum, simply follow this link to fill out the form and pay online!

Or you can download and fill out this Membership Application form, then mail to us with your payment at 3014 NW 67th St., Seattle, WA 98117.

BASIC MEMBERSHIPS
Student (Full-Time) OR Senior (62+) $25
Individual $35
Senior Couple $40
Dual (2 adults under age 62, same address) OR Family $60
National (optional to out-of-state residents) $25

Basic Membership benefits include: National category memberships are optional to residents outside Washington State. Basic benefits include Membership card, free admission, discounts and the Nordic News.

Family, Dual, Senior Couple and National membership benefits only apply to dependants living in the same household.

BASIC BENEFITS PLUS MEMBERSHIP
Sustaining $150
Patron $300
Corporate $300
President’s Club (minimum) $1000

Basic Benefits Plus Memberships include:
ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIPS
Organization/Level 1 $60
Organization/Level 2 $120

Organization Memberships include: Members may choose to receive Museum publications and announcements by e-mail.

New Member Benefit! The new annual magazine, Nordic Kultur, is the latest Member benefit. Below is an excerpted version of the magazine; the full 40-page edition is sent to all Members, and additional copies may be purchased in the Museum Gift Shop for $5.95.



The Nordic Heritage Museum is a 501 (c) 3 organization, please consult your tax accountant regarding tax deductions.




Volunteer at the Museum


Volunteer Volunteers have been vital in shaping the Museum into a successful, unique institution. As we look ahead to a brand new building in downtown Ballard, volunteers will continue to play an essential part in the Museum’s exciting future.

Support the Nordic Heritage Museum with your time and talents! We have a range of meaningful volunteer opportunities, whether you are looking to celebrate your heritage, meet like-minded people, or learn a new skill. The Nordic Heritage Museum invites you to join us in our effort to celebrate Nordic culture in our community, and to share the Nordic Spirit.

Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteer Opportunities

Visitor Services
Admissions Desk: Volunteers at the Admissions Desk are the first impression visitors have of the Museum. They provide orientation to the Museum, information about Membership and upcoming events, and shape the visitor experience.

Gift Shop: Volunteers in the Gift Shop assist visitors with Gift Store items, provide information about Museum programs and events, and operate the cash register.

Phone/Information Desk: Volunteers at the phone desk interact with staff regularly, answer and transfer phone calls, provide information to visitors, and provide security for the 2nd floor exhibits.

Commitment for these volunteer positions is flexible, and hands-on training is provided.

Volunteer at Yulefest Educational Programs
Children’s Education: Children’s education volunteers may lead school tours as a docent, help with summer Heritage Camp, and assist with special Children’s programs and outreach events.

Adult Education: Adult education volunteers may lead tours as a docent, help with weekend Craft School classes, and assist the Adult education coordinator as needed.

Nordic American Voices: Opportunities to assist the Oral History Project may include conducting, recording, and transcribing oral histories for the Museum collection and related administrative tasks.

General Museum Operations
Kitchen and Dining Room: Help celebrate Nordic food traditions for all to enjoy! Prepare and serve Nordic dishes and treats for programs, events, and fundraisers. Bake items for receptions and special events. Food Handler’s Permit is recommended.

Facilities and Grounds: Help keep the Museum looking nice and working well! Assist in building and grounds maintenance, as well as other projects, with the Monday or Thursday Crew. If you have skills in painting, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, cleaning, raking, and pruning; enjoy heavy lifting and team work; and/or have a truck, we could use your help!

Administrative/Departmental Assistance: Help us behind the scenes with a variety of essential, daily tasks such as data entry, filing, shredding, organizations, and mailing preparation. Support the Museum while getting to know staff members and fellow volunteers!

Special Events and Fundraisers
Help the Museum create memorable Nordic events for the community! Our calendar is filled with activities reflecting the rich legacy of Nordic traditions and influences in our community. Assist with planning, promoting, setting up, and staffing the Museum’s many special events, programs and fundraisers. Volunteer Curatorial Opportunities
The Museum offers limited opportunities in Collection, Archives, and Exhibits throughout the year. Priority is given to student interns and qualified individuals with expertise in related field. Opportunities depend on availability.

Please inquire about available internships.

Get Started as a Volunteer
To become a volunteer, fill out the Volunteer Application. Once we receive your Application, we will contact you to schedule a casual interview.

Alternatively, you may contact Michael Ide, the Nordic Heritage Museum’s Volunteer Coordinator at (206) 789-5707 ext. 12 or email michaeli@nordicmuseum.org and a volunteer application and detailed summary of volunteer opportunities will be sent to you.

Internships
Internship opportunities are available to students throughout the year. For information about current internships, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at michaeli@nordicmuseum.org.


Each year at the Northern Lights Auktion, we honor volunteers and members who make an extraordinary contribution to the Museum.

Here you can:

View our tribute to Olaf Kvamme, honored at the 2012 Northern Lights Auktion





View our tribute to Bert Lundh, honored at the 2011 Northern Lights Auktion





View Our Tribute to Six Exceptional Families








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