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End of Year Update from the Ward Foundation, Inc.
Dear Ward Foundation Supporters Past, Present and Future:
The great tradition of decoy making is alive and well, and as long as we have anything to do or say about it, it always will be! We are writing to share an update on the Ward Foundation, and to invite you to reconnect with us now and long into the future.
After a hailstorm of changes for our organization over the past two years, the Ward Foundation knows that our mission to preserve and celebrate decoy making, and especially the unique legacy of the Ward Brothers, is more important than ever. This is the mission we are carrying forward, rooted in our founding, and one that will endure for generations to come.
The Ward Foundation continues its work as a charitable 501(c)(3). From the Ward World Championship in Ocean City, to the Chesapeake Challenge in Crisfield, to introductory carving and painting classes, special exhibits and demonstrations, and educational sessions on decoys and decoy-making for young people, we are engaging more than 10,000 people annually on why decoys matter and why they must be celebrated and preserved.
We are delighted that Kristie Clattenburg is serving as our director, bringing more than a decade of experience to the foundation. We are working toward establishing a new permanent headquarters. Until then, we are operating from a rented four-room office business complex in Salisbury, Maryland.
The Ward Foundation team and our broad community of members and supporters remains confused, disappointed, and even angry about what transpired with the closure of the museum building at 909 S. Schumaker Drive, and the termination of the partnership with Salisbury University. But we cannot look back. While the decades-long partnership comes to an end, this disruption does not change the vital mission and purpose of the Ward Foundation.
More than anything, the Ward Foundation must focus on the future, and what the foundation can do NOW, through its partnerships, programming, and networks to bring value and meaning to the decoy carving and collecting community that continues to support our work and mission.
Listed below is a summary of just some of our accomplishments and continuity during the past few years. As you will see, despite the changes and challenges, we have been able to do so much to support and advance our core mission. Additionally, it is important to note that the foundation owns many physical assets and significant intellectual property, which can be built upon as we refocus on our next chapter.
As we look to the future, we are working hard to maintain the history and legacy of the foundation. We will keep you informed and aware of our work, and we invite you to join us. Please consider renewing your support for the Ward Foundation this year with a charitable contribution.
With our deepest gratitude,
Ward Foundation Board of Directors and Staff
Major activities FY24 (July 1, 2023- June 30, 2024)
- Removed all Ward Foundation assets and supported the return of loans of artworks from the Schumaker Pond property
- Expressed its trademark on the name(s) Ward Museum/ Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art for exclusive use by the Ward Foundation
- Opened new office and admin headquarters in Salisbury, MD
- Produced the Chesapeake Challenge (Crisfield, MD) – September 2023
- Exhibited/educated at Waterfowl Festival (Easton, MD) – November 2023
- Produced the Ward World Championship (Ocean City, MD)- April 2024
- Participated in community events, including the World’s Largest Rubber Duck, around the region, reaching approximately 8,000 individuals
Major activities FY25 (July 1, 2024- June 30, 2025)
- Kristie Clattenburg promoted to Director of the Ward Foundation
- Update office/ admin/storage setup to reflect new operations and program scope
- Maintain and build relationships with the Maryland Folklife Centers and Maryland State Arts Council
- Create a summary and recommendations for the extensive Ward Foundation A/V collection including Samuel H. Dyke Library, Special Collections and Lower Shore Traditions archive, and other historical holdings
- Create short video vignettes from A/V holdings illustrating important artists (past and living) and artistic communities; circulate online to engage audiences new and old
- Maintain, develop, and facilitate pop-up exhibits as requested and able
- Produced the Chesapeake Challenge (Crisfield, MD) – September 2024
- Exhibited/educated at Waterfowl Festival (Easton, MD) – November 2024
- Produce Winter Wonderland (Ocean City, MD) – December 2024
- Co-Produce MSAC Apprentice Program Short Film Showing (Easton, MD) – January 2025
- Produce the Ward World Championship (Ocean City, MD)- April 2025
- Produce art and education outreach and events anticipated to reach more than 10,000 individuals
- Re-establish a membership program with new levels, benefits, and excitement
Ward Foundation Notable Assets as of June 30, 2024
- Collection of Art: Nearly 300 artworks (carvings, paintings) from more than 100 artists
- Samuel H. Dyke Library: With over 900 books, thousands of photographs, hundreds of AV materials, and Special Collections including artist sketches, correspondence, original research, and notes, which capture the story of the Ward Foundation community and waterfowling heritage across generations
- Intellectual Property: Work for hire from all of its employees including publications, photography, research collections, data surveys, and exhibition materials