**Dear Friends and Neighbors,**

**The citizens of New York City have proven that “unity makes strength” (Brooklyn’s official motto) through numerous historic events in the past. Now we are all exhibiting a new kind of unity through the unfortunately ironic safety measures of self-isolation. Through self-isolating, we come together in our joint efforts not only to protect ourselves, but to protect our neighbors. We have not halted the city’s progress, but unified our efforts toward one common goal: saving lives.**

**At this moment, uncertainty is universal. As with all small non-profit organizations, the City Reliquary is exceptionally vulnerable during times of uncertainty. Keeping the doors open at a small museum was a great challenge prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the moment, it is impossible. The overwhelming majority of our financial support has come from museum admissions and public programming, both of which have come to an abrupt end. As we work to reposition the City Reliquary for a new future, we need your help, now more than ever.**

**While our doors are closed, we are working on ways to present signature City Reliquary events virtually. Our first virtual ********Collector’s Night: Home Edition** takes place tonight at 8 PM on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/cityreliquary/) with guest collector and longtime Reliquary friend [Kyle Supley](https://www.instagram.com/kylesoutthere)! We are also working on digital content that we’ll share with you soon. Our volunteers and staff have also started collecting significant COVID-19 epidemic-related ephemera—a sober reminder of how the Reliquary was created in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 tragedy. We need your help to ensure we’ll be able to exist beyond this moment of uncertainty. If you are able to offer financial support at this time, please consider [becoming a member](https://www.artful.ly/cityreliquary/store/memberships), [renewing](https://www.artful.ly/cityreliquary/store/memberships) your current membership, or [making a donation](https://www.artful.ly/cityreliquary/store/donate). If you purchased a ticket to an upcoming event, we will be happy to refund you—or, if you prefer, treat the payment as a tax-deductible donation.

**As we all figure out how the new reality of being a New Yorker will unfold, we’ll be here working to protect the history we’ve made and collected over the past 18 years. Until we see you on the other side, stay alert-not-anxious, and always civic. **

**In civic solidarity,**

**Dave Herman**

**Founder**

**City Reliquary Museum & Civic Organization**