Contributed Photo Hamlet Mayor Pro Tem Tony Clewis was pleased to receive a Hamlet Historic Depot and Museum car decal, when he signed up for the museum's membership drive. Clewis said he's going to display the sticker proudly on his vehicle.

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New Hamlet Historic Depot and Museum manager and downtown coordinator, Miranda Chavis, has jumped into her new role with both feet.

She’s been spearheading projects like a railroad photo contest, which garnered a major bump in online interest in the museum.

And now Chavis is rolling out a membership drive at the museum, encouraging supporters of the museum to sign up for a benefits package.

“Because the Hamlet Depot and Museum is free and open to the public, memberships provide vital financial support to the museum,” said Chavis.

Supporters who sign up for the $20 annual membership receive perks like a 10 percent discount in the Hamlet Depot and Museum gift shop; 10 percent discount for the rental of the Depot event space; a membership card; car decal sticker featuring the museum logo; invitation to special events, contests and exhibition previews; and a quarterly e-newsletter.

“Without donations, a free museum can’t survive — and it’s important to us to stay free to the public,” said Chavis.

Currently, the museum has about a dozen members, but Chavis’ goal is to see membership reach 1,000 supporters.

“I know that’s ambitious, but that’s our goal,” she said.

Hamlet Mayor Pro Tem Tony Clewis was among the first to sign up as a member when the drive started. Clewis said he’s a fan of the museum because of its educational value, and because it’s a boon for the city.

“I’d like to encourage those who supported Discovery Place to support the Hamlet Historic Depot and Museum too,” said Clewis.

— Staff Writer Kelli Easterling can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 18, or by email at keasterling@heartlandpublications.com.