The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum in St. Augustine has been awarded a Small Museum Grant from the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS). It will allow the museum staff to develop a process of research and analysis of its current marketing and promotion process. The end goal is to create a state-of-the-art marketing and promotion plan that will continue to evolve with the museum over time.
“This will help us to determine what is benefiting the museum’s goals, what is new and successful in the media world today and what will best suit the museum to increase awareness, increase guest visitation and increase donor support and participation for the sustainability of the museum,” said Payson Tildon, executive director. “The museum is grateful and excited for this opportunity to work through the IMLS in order to develop staff skills in communication, digital promotion and utilization of the best media methods to ensure the continued success of our museum.”
The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum was completed in 1798 by Spanish merchant Andrés Ximenez, made of coquina stone. It became a boarding house throughout the 1800s, owned and operated by women. The National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of Florida purchased the property in 1939 and began the decades-long process of meticulously restoring and furnishing the home with the intent of making it a historic house museum. The Dames still own and operate the museum today.
“As pillars of our communities, libraries and museums bring people together by providing important programs, services and collections. These institutions are trusted spaces where people can learn, explore and grow,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “IMLS is proud to support their initiatives through our grants as they educate and enhance their communities.”
