Dear Friends, The original homestead of the Eleazar Morton Family is now the magnificent Morton House Museum. It is home to many historical artifacts and records that document how a leader ensured the success of the Benton Harbor community as a growing, strong city. It is more than just brick and mortar. Its walls tell stories of leadership, pride and progress within the community. The Morton House Museum strives to educate adults and children about life in 19th and 20th century Michigan, as the city of Benton Harbor grew from a small pioneer settlement into a thriving and wealthy city. Our mission is fulfilled by: The preservation, exhibition and interpretation of the Museum’s 1849 building, collections, and documents; and Providing tours, traveling exhibits, in-school programs, lectures and special events. But no mere house allows a community to learn about their heritage. It is dedicated people who provide these opportunities. And friends of the Morton House Museum have a passion for passing down the history of Benton Harbor’s expansion and progress. They are the keepers of our history and the educators of our youth. Last year alone the Museum was able to reach over 500 area school children! If you have been a Morton House Museum member and supporter, we certainly want to THANK YOU and ask that you continue your support by renewing your membership for 2008. If you have not been a member in the past, now is the perfect time to join the Morton House Museum. Our basic yearly membership levels include individual, family, student and senior citizen memberships. And there are plenty of opportunities beyond the basic membership level. Assist us in providing programs that teach children about leaders past, in hopes of inspiring more in the future. Where there are walls, show them safety. Where there are floors, show them opportunity. Where there are heirlooms, show them success. Various upgraded membership levels include: –    Friends of the Museum members receive an individual membership, bi-monthly newsletter packed full of current news of the Museum as well as an invitation to a Friends’ Luncheon scheduled for summer 2008. –    501 Club members receive a free family membership, the museum newsletter and a 10% discount on all gift shop items. Members will also receive a book, “Reminiscences of the Saint Joseph River Valley” from the Morton House Museum as well have their name engraved in a brick used in a path around the house. –    Pioneer Club members will receive 4 adult and 4 youth membership cards. Members of the Pioneer Club will receive the bi- monthly newsletter, a 10% discount on all gift shop items and invitations to special Pioneer Club-only events. Club members will also have their name engraved in a brick used in a path around the house. Up to 25 free passes can be requested each year. As a special thank you, all members will receive a boxed set of the “Little House on the Prairie” books as a reminder of their pioneering spirit. –    1849 Club members will receive a lapel pin, 4 adult and 4 youth membership cards, bi- monthly newsletter, invitations to special 1849 Club-only events, 15% discount on all gift shop items and up to 50 free passes may be requested. Club members will also have their name engraved in a brick used in a path around the house. Members will have their names engraved on the 1849 plaque, to be displayed proudly in the Morton house. Members will also receive the Museum’s flagship book, “Benton Harbor: The Metropolis of the Michigan Fruit Belt, 1915” and a beautifully framed picture of the Morton House Museum. Please consider one of the membership levels that most fits your needs and join the growing family of friends that regard the Morton House Museum as a cultural center of learning. Be sure to complete and return the attached membership form with your check. On behalf of Morton House Museum Board of Directors, please accept our heartfelt gratitude.