Florence County Museum Receives Contribution to Support Outreach

It is with gratitude that the Florence County Museum announces a contribution from the Eastern Carolina Community Foundation Blackwell-Ervin Family Fund.
The Florence County Museum opened to the public in October of 2014 and has an average annual attendance of 24,000 visitors per year.

In 2008, Anne Blackwell Ervin and Dr. Dan Ervin were on the forefront of downtown revitalization through the renovation and restoration of 154 West Evans Street, currently home to the Eastern Carolina Community Foundation and the Pee Dee Land Trust. Shortly after, they established a donor advised fund at the Eastern Carolina Community Foundation in 2009 to see that many of their philanthropic goals are met.

“Anne and Dan Ervin are leaders, partners, and innovators in the world of charitable giving. As such, they have inspired others to give and make a positive impact in the lives of many in our communities and beyond.”  Belle Zeigler, Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, Director

Combining their interest in art and education Anne and Dan helped to spearhead the Florence County Museum Transportation Assistance Program along with the Wright Foundation for Southern Art, in 2015. This program supports transportation funding associated with fieldtrips to the museum. The objective is to ensure that all students in the Pee Dee region have the opportunity to experience the museum with no associated cost to the students or their families.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has transitioned to provide engaging “Museum At Home” experiences for Florence County students. This multifaceted effort includes FCM at Home collections-based lessons and activities for all, Mornings at the Museum pick-up kits for preschool students, and an Afternoon Art Club with live virtual art instruction for students in first through eighth grades, all available at no cost for families.

Additionally, the Florence County Museum has partnered with all Florence County school districts to provide an art supply kit with suggested lessons to every virtual learner in 4k through 6th grade. More than 5,700 kits were distributed in October to students across the county to enable them to participate in art lessons virtually.

The Florence County Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. For more information about the museum and modified programs, please visit www.flocomusuem.org. The museum is free to the public; all visitors must comply with all current state and local pandemic precautions.