Hello Friends,

I would love to say that things are back to normal, but we all are too aware that “normal” doesn’t really exist at this time. I hope that everyone’s family and friends have remained safe and healthy and continue to do so.

I am excited to say that we have become COVID GREEN! Green in our COVID environment still has many restrictions and precautions that need to be adhered to going forward. HYS follows the CDC and PA Health Department Guidelines. We require anyone entering HYS facilities to wear a face mask, follow proper social distancing and good hygiene precautions by washing your hands often.

What green does mean? It allows us to start classes, workshops and kiln firings once again! Events and event rentals are available! All of these things must follow proper protocol, which means masks, social distancing, and some paperwork to sign. But I have a feeling, as many are saying, that this is our “new normal.” Please remember that our goal continues to be to keep everyone entering HYS safe.

We have good news about new things happening that take advantage of our beautiful landscapes. We are offering  more plein air classes. What a fantastic way to relieve today’s stresses by painting outside in the open air at one of HYS’s beautiful locations! We are also adding to our normal venue options small, outdoor “garden party” rentals in our courtyard.

In addition, we are reviewing the possibility of holding our previously canceled events in a reinvented fashion. Check our website for classes and workshops, both in studio and online, and for more information on new happenings.

OUR PLEA FOR YOUR SUPPORT

As with so many of you, the shutdown months for the pandemic have been very hard from an income perspective for us. We make nearly all of our funds that carry us throughout the year in the Spring and Summer months. We normally raise funds through events, classes, shows and other activities. Those funds help us provide free events, history tours and maintain the 142-acre property, buildings and grounds. There are NO state workers that come to HYS to maintain this beautiful property. We actually have a very small staff and mostly part-time team members.

COVID hit HYS at the WORST time possible for us. We took a massive hit to income. We now find ourselves in a large deficit and need your help. Please go to our website and donate to support us.

I have to say I find it curious that such a large number of folks who visit HYS are under a BIG misconception. Many people think we are a public place–maybe because we are historic? We are NOT a public entity, a State Park or State/Federally funded. HYS is a private organization under a non-profit 501c3 designation. We are only funded by our friends, supporters and activities. We have to find ways to get the funds to maintain everything that you enjoy throughout HYS and our grounds. SO, IF YOU LIKE HYS, PLEASE HELP SUPPORT US!

Donate to HYS

We are thrilled that we have so many people who enjoy and take advantage of all HYS has to offer on a daily basis.  BUT, we can’t make all of this happen without the money to do so. It has been nice to see so many familiar and new faces continuing to come to HYS to enjoy the trails, the wonderful flower gardens, and all the beauty that is Historic Yellow Springs. We hope that you continue to come and explore.

Your donations are indispensable, now more than ever and we thank you for helping us keep this 300-year-old historical property thriving!

Regards,

Karen
Executive Director, HYS