In an age of limited resources, all non-profits must carefully consider how they deliver on their missions. Ours is: The George C. Marshall Foundation exists to promote the values of selfless service, dedicated effort and strength of character exemplified by Marshall’s life and leadership in war and peace and to inspire new generations to follow his example as they face the challenges of the future.
To fulfill this commitment, the George C. Marshall Foundation has decided to focus on several core existing strengths and build its capacity in other areas. We are committed to remaining one of the nation’s premiere small research libraries by expanding access to our collections through an ambitious plan to digitize our nearly 400,000 documents written by and to George C. Marshall and his family. We will continue to offer our stimulating Legacy Lecture Series, both in person, when pandemic conditions allow, and online. We have already launched new digital video and other initiatives that bring the lessons of Marshall’s life to audiences everywhere. We will introduce a new array of member programs to learn more about General Marshall and the era he so influenced. And to “inspire new generations to follow his example,” we are developing distance learning programs for students that highlight civics, government, leadership, and ethics, all embodied by George C. Marshall.
To achieve these ambitious plans and steward our resources wisely in these uncertain times, we have made the difficult decision to cease our museum exhibition program, effective immediately. We will create a small, permanent display of some of our most significant artifacts that highlight General Marshall’s character and leadership and further our goals to serve scholarship and support education. Our intention is to make access to this collection available periodically to our supporters, for special tours, and for certain events. All artifacts will be treated according to the highest standards of the museum profession, including finding appropriate permanent museum homes for those objects that will not remain at the Marshall Foundation.
The Foundation’s financial situation remains solid, however, the pandemic reminds us that non-profits must look forward and watch their resources carefully in order to guarantee long-term sustainability. The Marshall Foundation believes that by tightly focusing our efforts in areas of promoting scholarly research, providing enriching educational opportunities, and offering
stimulating public programs, we can ensure that the life and principles of George C. Marshall are made relevant and better understood by a growing audience, both in our nation and abroad. We have never needed his example more.