At Northport Historical Society and Museum, on the North Shore of Long Island, New York, storytelling and community engagement are at the heart of everything we do. A recent project that encapsulates this mission was the restoration of our main street diorama – an intricate, hand-crafted model that captures of the village’s Main Street between 1906 and 1915.
The diorama, originally created and donated by local artisan Mark Sielucka in 1982, has been a cornerstone exhibit for more than four decades. But after years on display, it was in urgent need of restoration.
Rather than seeking external grants or donors, we turned to our community. Leveraging our business membership model, we reached out to local businesses with a sponsorship opportunity that included free business membership and promotional exposure. This approach aligned with our broader strategy of building lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with local businesses.
Local restaurant Skippers answered the call and became the lead sponsor. Its generous support covered the full cost of the restoration, allowing us to preserve a vital piece of our heritage. In turn, Skippers received recognition in our exhibit and in our marketing materials, reinforcing its strong presence in the community.
The success of this sponsorship sparked wider interest. Our campaign led to over $4,000 in funds and brought in 12 new business members. These businesses now participate in our member benefits program, offering discounts to museum members, which enhances the value of both memberships and strengthens ties between the museum and the village’s Main Street.
The unveiling of the restored diorama was more than just an exhibit opening – it was a celebration of Northport’s spirit and a testament to the power of collaboration. It demonstrated how cultural institutions can creatively use membership and sponsorship models not only to support financial sustainability but to deepen their impact within the communities they serve.
Cary Bianculli is the director of marketing and membership at the Northport Historical Society & Museum