To Friends of Fort Mifflin;
The unthinkable has happened and we were forced to drastically decrease our workforce and also close the Fort to business, except for previously scheduled events, from now until further notice. That also means that only a few weeks before the Holidays, our part-time staff had to be laid off, and a few of our full time employees are either working full time for half pay, and/or their hours were drastically cut, along with their income. Unfortunately, this current condition will continue until a solution for this financial crisis can be found.
The Fort historically loses business at this time of year, but with the financial difficulties of the City, State of Pennsylvania, Board of Education and Charitable Foundations, the Fort suffered one of its worse Fall and Winter seasons on record. Schools are not coming for Field Trips. Foundations are unable to offer support as they have in the past. Our restoration and preservation of Casemate #11 was a costly, but worthwhile project. In fact, the Fort enjoyed its largest number in visitations it has ever witnessed. We only hope we can keep this exciting historic find open to the public.
We are sending this out to everyone and anyone who has helped Fort Mifflin in the past or has even shown an interest in preserving this magnificent testament of selfless dedication by U.S. soldiers throughout American history. I don't want to sound too desperate, but that is exactly what we are at the moment.
If the Fort does not receive a total of approximately $50,000 in the next month we will have to stop all operations until April 1st, 2009 and perhaps beyond that date.
Could you please help in some way? Any and all contributions are welcome and happily accepted. All contributions are tax deductible and you will receive a letter stating that for 2008 tax purposes. With only a few weeks left in 2008, this is the perfect time to make a tax deductible donation for the 2008 tax year.
Also, to show our appreciation for your contribution, we will send you one of several gifts we have chosen for our contributors. For example; a gift of $1,000 or more and you will receive a Fort Mifflin book, button, poster, flag, Declaration of Independence and small cannon model.
Please help by making out a check or Money Order to "Fort Mifflin on the Delaware" and send your contribution to; Fort Mifflin, Fort Mifflin & Hog Island Roads, Phila., PA 19153. We can also take credit and debit card donations over the phone by calling 215-685-4167.
On November, 5th 1777, George Washington said, "Fort Mifflin is of the utmost importance to our cause and must be saved at all costs." That statement still rings true today.
Thank you,
Lee Patrick Anderson
Executive Director
Fort Mifflin on the Delaware
Fort Mifflin & Hog Island Roads
Philadelphia, PA 19153
leeanderson@fortmifflin.us
(O) 215-685-4167
(C) 609-680-4654
