In response to Sarah's question,
in our situation, we are a state-owned facility operated by the Ohio
Historical Society.  OHS has a state-wide membership program with numerous
benefits, most of which have been noted in other posts on this thread, that
apply to all OHS Sites.
Our Friends organization has membership dues and benefits that apply only to
our site.  Donations are made through that organization, a separate
501(c)(3), and the Friends Board of Trustees then determines the projects at
our institution they wish to support with funding or other forms of
sponsorship.  Not all our volunteers are members of the Friends, and not all
of our Friends members volunteer.  Many have written very nice
tax-deductible checks to the Friends in order to be members because they
simply want to be affiliated with and support the site.
I see them as a wonderful support organization that is only now beginning to
realize their full potential.  This year they are beginning to have their
own membership events, sponsor an annual formal dinner, and take day-trips
with other similar membership organizations.

Melinda Gilpin
Historic Site Manager
Harding Home State Memorial

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