MANCHESTER, N.H.– CUNA said it has pledged to be the lead sponsor of the America’s Credit Union Museum “Legacy” Capital Campaign to “help ensure the rich history of the credit union system is preserved for future generations.”
The museum, located on the site where America's first credit union opened its doors in 1908, opened in 2002 and includes exhibits and meeting space. The building was formerly a three-story, three-family dwelling belonging to Joseph Boivin, the manager of the St. Mary's Cooperative Credit Association, which today is known as St. Mary’s Bank.
The Legacy Campaign is a three-year capital campaign with a goal of raising $3.3 million to create a new industry research center, add additional exhibit space, and provide renovations to the existing Museum building.
CUNA said its $1 million pledge would fund what will be known as the “CUNA Research Center,” which will be housed in the building next to America’s Credit Union Museum and will create a “virtual experience that will provide credit unions, consumers, the media, lawmakers, regulators, and others the ability to delve into the history of credit unions. The new Center will allow every credit union the opportunity to tell its unique story virtually through the Museum. The Museum and Research Center will eventually be connected via a Sky Walk.”
CUNA’s pledge puts the Legacy Campaign more than halfway toward its fundraising goal. America’s Credit Union Museum Executive Director Stephanie Smith will be focused on raising funds to fulfil the remainder of the goal, according to CUNA.