Heritage Museums & Gardens
Announces Capital Campaign for New Welcome Center

July 12, 2023 (Sandwich, MA) Heritage Museums & Gardens, a beloved cultural institution known for its dedication to preserving and showcasing history and horticulture, is thrilled to announce its capital campaign for the construction of a new Welcome Center. This exciting project aims to enhance the visitor experience, improve accessibility, model and interpret environmental sustainability and provide expanded facilities to meet the growing needs of visitors and the community.
The new Welcome Center will serve as the gateway to Heritage Museums & Gardens, providing a warm and inviting experience where visitors can begin their exploration of the museum’s diverse offerings. The 8,000 square foot facility will feature gathering areas for groups, expanded ticketing space, a Visitor Services Center for orientation and information gathering, a gift shop stocked with unique and educational merchandise, restrooms, and new vistas of the popular Flume Fountain.
One of the primary goals of the Welcome Center project is the use of renewable energy solutions, including solar power, passive design principles, and sustainable materials. It is intended that the new Welcome Center will serve as a model for sustainable construction and provide interpretation so that visitors can learn more about environmentally appropriate practices. GWWO of Baltimore, MD are the architects of the project.
The construction of the new Welcome Center will not only enhance the visitor experience but also provide increased capacity to accommodate the growing number of visitors of all ages and abilities. With its spacious layout and improved amenities, the center will be able to handle groups of all sizes, ensure that all individuals can comfortably navigate and enjoy the facilities, and offer a more seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone.

To make this ambitious project a reality, Heritage Museums & Gardens is seeking support from community members, businesses, and philanthropic organizations. The capital campaign aims to raise $11.5 million to support the design, construction, and outfitting of the new Welcome Center. Nearly seventy percent of the fundraising goal has already been achieved. Donations in any amount are welcome and will contribute to preserving and enhancing the cultural heritage of the region.
“We are excited to embark on this transformative project that will elevate the visitor experience at Heritage Museums & Gardens,” said Anne Scott-Putney, President and CEO of Heritage Museums & Gardens. “The new Welcome Center will serve as an inviting and accessible entry point for our visitors while showcasing our commitment to education, preservation, renewable energy solutions, and community engagement.”

Contributors to the fundraising campaign will have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy through recognition opportunities, such as named buildings, features, and gardens. Their support will directly impact the growth and sustainability of Heritage Museums & Gardens, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate the rich heritage and natural beauty preserved within its grounds.
Joining President & CEO Anne Scott-Putney to speak at the campaign announcement were lead donors Jeannine Rivet and Warren Herreid II of the K.A.H.R. Foundation, and Patricia and Steve Chubb. Other major donors in attendance included Heritage Trustees, representatives of Cape Cod 5, and generous individual donors, all of whom have contributed during the silent phase of the campaign. State Senator Susan Moran and State Representative Steve Xiarhos also spoke at the event. Funding has also been provided by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, and by the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, a program of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, administered through a collaborative arrangement between MassDevelopment and the Mass Cultural Council. To learn more about the capital campaign and how to make a contribution, please visit the Heritage Museums & Gardens website at www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org/welcome-center-campaign.

About Heritage Museums & Gardens:

Heritage Museums & Gardens is set on nearly 100 stunning acres of gardens, woodland and lakeside trails and open spaces. It is the only place where you can browse through rare works of art, stroll through stunning gardens, see iconic antique automobiles, and ride a carousel all in one day. Explore Hidden Hollow, an interactive outdoor discovery area for kids of all ages, visit the Creating Cape Cod exhibit, and find your own special spot on Cape Cod.

Media Contact:
Judith Goetz
Director of Marketing & Communications
Heritage Museums & Gardens
Phone: (774) 205-2730
Email: jgoetz@heritagemuseums.org
Note to editors: High-resolution images and interviews with Heritage Museums & Gardens representatives are available upon request.