The Museum continued its record of sound financial health throughout fiscal year 2025. Our revenues of nearly $24 million include gains in admissions and memberships, and we raised over $14 million in gifts and grants. Of this total, we raised $7.3 million toward our “Waterfront Project”, a long-term plan with multiple phases that will protect our building from rising sea levels and activate the exterior wharf area for Museum goers to learn and interact with the natural environment.

We continued to invest in the experience for our visitors, as seen by increased expenditures in our major programs and exhibits, with a 27% increase in costs for program services. Our investments grew by 1/3 and will continue to provide long-term support for the Museum’s operations.    

Looking Back…

On the heels of the announcement that our wonderful President and CEO, Carole Charnow, is retiring in 2026, it’s helpful to look back on the Museum’s finances over her 15 years of excellent leadership. Working closely with Amy Auerbach (Senior Vice President/CFO) and Jeri Appier (Controller and Managing Director, Finance), the team brought the Museum to new heights of financial health that will benefit the Museum for years and years to come.

Just a few of the many highlights over the last 15 years include:

• 81% growth in admissions revenue
• 108% growth in endowment investments
• 135% growth in Annual Fund giving
• 64% reduction in debt

Looking Ahead…

In October of 2024, Amy Auerbach retired from her role as Senior Vice President/CFO, and Jug Chokshi joined the Museum as the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. Amy left the Museum with an incredible legacy: bringing sound fiscal management to the Museum, stewarding care for the physical building, and helping to build robust internal systems and practices. She continues to help the Museum by lending her vast experience and acumen to the Waterfront Project.

Starting in 2026, the Museum will begin the work for Phase 1 of the Waterfront Project, which will protect the physical building from flooding due to rising tides in the Channel. This significant investment into the future of our Museum is the result of the hard work of many people, but certainly it would not be possible without Carole, who has led the effort to raise the $15 million cost of Phase 1.    

AnnualReport2025_Operating_Results.pdf