Get Involved

Involvement happens in many ways: financial contributions, membership, volunteerism, donation of artifacts, attendance at events, and support in other creative ways.

Volunteering: Can you help?

Our history museum employs a variety of volunteers on a day-to-day basis. Some serve in key administrative positions while others work in less routine, but equally important jobs. Our goal is to engage all our volunteers matching them with meaningful responsibilities within our operation. Your life experiences and interests, when matched to our critical needs, help determine where you could serve and in what capacities. We currently have volunteers working in our visitor services, building maintenance, computer technology, research archival, curation, and trustee commitments. Of course, we have other needs to fill, but it seems there are never enough people with extra time and interest. We need people in so many ways. Could that be you? If so, volunteer!

Donating the Past: What do we collect?

Our historical society collects, documents, preserves, interprets, and exhibits objects created, owned or used related specifically to Carteret county. Four major categories define our collections: books, archives (old paper), photographs, and three-dimensional objects. If you think you have something to donate that fits these criteria, we would be interested in talking with you. If you have items that lie outside our niche, we can possibly suggest alternatives, such as other museums or sites where your possessions might best serve a worthwhile purpose. Let’s talk!

Donating Financially

Since the Carteret County Historical Society’s founding in 1971, CCHS has operated without sustaining governmental support. Fortunately, its members, donors, and various granting agencies have stepped in and helped to preserve the county’s past. Anyone can join this federally recognized 501(3)(c) nonprofit as a member and/or donate funds to perpetuate this important mission.

Donating Cash:

The most direct (potentially tax-advantaged) way to make a charitable gift is through outright gifts of cash or a check. You may also donate with your credit card to make a contribution. Here are some other ways to financially support CCHS.

Gift Matching:

Companies often match gifts to promote philanthropy among their employees. Some even match their retirees’ gifts. If you think this might apply to you, contact your Human Resources, Personnel, or Community Relations Department to see if your company participates.

Corporate Donations:

Make your company better recognized in the community. Sponsorship is an attractive opportunity to show your employees and your county that you care about what is important to them. contact us to discuss creative ways to highlight your company’s participation.

Memorials & Tributes:

Celebrate someone living or passed! Make a simple contribution in their honor by giving cash or a check. This is a very special way to recognize an accomplishment in the community, a life well-lived, or just a special place in your heart.

Legacy Gifts:

Well-documented estate planning can reduce your capital gains tax while furthering the mission of CCHS. A bequest, one of the easiest planned gifts to make, can be made with the help of an investment advisor. Here, you can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift will be made to CCHS as part of your estate plan. Past individuals have included appreciated publicly traded securities, life insurance policies, 401(k), 403(b), pension and/or IRA retirement plans, real estate, living trusts, tangible or personal property, and pooled income gifts.

Endowments:

The CCHS’s mission is supported by several privately funded endowments. For specific information on these, or how you might create your own named endowment in support of the historical society, please contact us at 252-247-7533 to explore your ideas and learn about the organization’s needs.

By including us in your plans, you can meet your individual financial goals now, secure your family’s future, strengthen the historical society for years to come, serve as an example to others, demonstrate community-minded values, and foster a lasting commitment to CCHS’s mission.

Contact your financial or tax advisor to determine what might work best for your situation. All gifts made in-person, online, by mail, or by phone will be recognized with a receipt provided to all donors or estates.

Carteret County Historical Society Tax ID: 56-1480247.

If you would like assistance in making donations, contact the museum directly.