Thank you, Reliquarians All

A brief note

Just over a year ago, we were not sure if we could keep our storefront home. We rethought our membership program, gradually reopened the museum to the public, and ran a few experimental events in our backyard. Now, we’re celebrating the final days of our busiest, strangest, most wonderful year yet. Thank you, dearly, for being part of it.

Amid new public health protocols, we pivoted to a new model that emphasized collaboration with local artists and performers—NYC creatives that include burlesque dancers, stand-up comedians, performance artists, musicians, filmmakers, and authors. This shift has allowed us to continue presenting ambitious exhibits and events that, in true Reliquary tradition, emphasize the overlooked people, places, and moments in local history.

With your help, here’s what we were able to achieve:

The numbers

1,220 guests

to the museum galleries during weekend public hours, since January 2021

3,621 attendees

at Reliquary special events—in the backyard, the museum galleries, even the front sidewalk, and a few at partner venues Rubulad and Lucky 13 Saloon

253 events

hosted for the NYC community at the Reliquary in 2021, and counting

$3,261.91

received in one-time donations in 2021, a good third of that from the donation jar!

$40,010

received support of the museum from monthly and annual memberships, since launching our new membership program in September 2020

$44,000

received from event tickets and pay-what-you-wish event entry

11 “vollies”

joined our crew in 2021, effectively doubling in size our volunteer crew who do the work of operating a community museum & civic institution

850 hours

of volunteered time working events, cataloging our collection, maintaining the space, and docenting during museum public hours.

$0

paid to staff or board members. Currently, everyone involved in operating the Reliquary is a volunteer. You can become one, join us!

Thank you, sincerely, to all of our caring & fervent volunteers, for making the Reliquary possible.

$18,151

paid in honaria to local dancers, musicians, comedians, authors, lecturers, and other NYC creatives who have shared their talents and knowledge at the Reliquary

A toast!