Since only last month, Woodmere has raised $3.2 million from within the community, and a large portion of that requires a match. The Sisters of Saint Joseph, who own the property, have given Woodmere an extension to June 15 to arrive at a purchase agreement.
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Woodmere expresses deepest gratitude to the many members of our community who have supported the effort to acquire Saint Michael’s Hall, an estate property of four acres with a great historic mansion at 9001 Germantown Ave. This article is intended as a general update.
Woodmere’s vision for Saint Michael's Hall supports three overlapping community priorities: The multicultural dimension of the arts, the preservation of open green space at the center of the Wissahickon watershed and historic preservation.
Since only last month, Woodmere has raised $3.2 million from within the community, and a large portion of that requires a match. The Sisters of Saint Joseph, who own the property, have given Woodmere an extension to June 15 to arrive at a purchase agreement. We do not contemplate any outcome other than success. However, if for some reason Woodmere is unable to acquire the estate, the Sisters will have no choice but to return their attention to potential developer buyers.
Woodmere’s current goal is to raise an additional $1.8 million by June 15 to satisfy our pledge requirement and give the Museum’s board of trustees the confidence to proceed with the purchase without risking Woodmere’s financial stability.
Woodmere would not only preserve the estate and the Sister’s legacy of good work as embodied in the property, but also implement a vision that is both transformational and educational. As at most museums, 80% of Woodmere’s art collection is stored away from public view at all times. However, the vast walls of Saint Michael’s offer the opportunity to put 80% of the Museum’s collection of paintings on view. This represents a different kind of museum that offers an expanded breadth of public and educational experience.
Members of the community who wish to contribute can do so at woodmereartmuseum.org/save-st-michaels
Please reach out with ideas or questions to Anne Standish, Woodmere’s Director of Development at astandish@woomderartmuseum.org.
William Valerio is the director and CEO of Woodmere Art Museum.
