(Concord, NH) – The Finlay Foundation today awarded a total of $97,500 to the New Hampshire libraries, museums and historical societies that finished atop the year-long, foundation-sponsored, membership challenge.

One hundred NH organizations participated in the statewide competition, which challenged organizations to find exciting and innovative methods to increase membership.

New Hampshire businessman and philanthropist Robert Finlay, who along with his wife Karin, issued this challenge one year ago, presented the awards. Mr. Finlay was joined by Dr. Anne-Imelda Radice, Director of the Institute of Museum & Library Services in Washington, D.C., NH State Librarian Michael York and Bill Veillette, Executive Director of the NH Historical Society.

Overall category winners receiving a $25,000 check for their efforts were: the Goffstown Public Library which attracted 1,519 new members during the challenge, an increase of 45%; the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society, increasing membership by 811, or a remarkable 624%; and the Laconia Historical & Museum Society, which saw an increase of 501 members, or 217%.

“Over these last 12 months, it has been an inspiration to review the submissions and hear administrators across the state enthusiastically describe how they have attracted new visitors and members to their institutions. My hope is that these unique ideas, approaches and experiences may serve as examples of how to succeed, across the state and beyond,” says Robert Finlay.

Finlay adds, “So much of the legacy we leave to future generations will depend on the hard work and imagination of local libraries, museums and historical societies to recruit and retain learners. It is my hope that this initiative has energized the cultural workforce, sparked new interest in these facilities, inspired education and brought our communities closer together.”

“It is an honor to join Rob and Karin Finlay, who care deeply about culture, and therefore, people, in the spirit of this important challenge,” says Dr. Anne-Imelda Radice. “I am pleased to witness this special recognition for libraries, museums, and historical societies in New Hampshire.”

The libraries, museums and historical societies involved in the challenge generated an increase of nearly 32,000 members from the period of November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2008.

After the winning organizations described their efforts to increase membership, Mr. Finlay made a surprising announcement. Rather than a winner-take-all finish, Mr. Finlay decided to award an additional $5,000 to each of the runners-up, and an additional $2,500 to each third place finisher in the library, museum and historical society categories.

“The Finlay Foundation Challenge to New Hampshire cultural organizations has created real excitement in the library community,” says Michael York.  “Many libraries in New Hampshire have seen a dramatic increase in library use because Robert Finlay and his challenge have brought forth new, innovative ideas about how to serve the public.”

Click Here to download the library and museum challenge review white paper.