The Rondout wouldn’t be nearly the charming place that it is today without the Hudson River Maritime Museum, which organizes exhibits and waterfront festivals and antique boat gatherings all year ‘round. It’s a priceless local resource and the “anchor business” for Rondout tourism. With the political climate in DC forecasting hard times ahead for not-for-profit cultural organizations that depend on funding from the likes of the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities, we really should all be museum members, helping to keep that institution afloat through troubled waters.
But there are many worthy causes in our communities, clamoring for our support; what would it take to move us to join this one in particular? How about a special recruiting event where a $35 ticket gets us not only a year’s membership, but also an afternoon of boatbuilding demonstrations, live music and dancing and a buffet dinner featuring chili, vegetarian corn chowder and cornbread?
The “Show the Museum Some Love” Benefit Evening this Sunday, February 26 begins with tours from 3 to 5 p.m. of the workshop and classroom at the Riverport Wooden Boat School next door to the museum, winter home of the sloop Clearwater and site for adult and youth classes in woodworking and boat restoration. From 4 to 7 p.m., the adjacent Ole Savannah Southern Table and Bar will host the dinner buffet, with sprightly musical accompaniment by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason. Dancing will be encouraged, but not mandatory.
To sign up or get more info, call (845) 338-0071, extension 19, or visit www.hrmm.org/events. The Hudson River Maritime Museum is located at 50 Rondout Landing in Kingston.
Join the family! 
