Presidents Update- April 2026

A Note from our President-

As we move into the heart of the season, I wanted to take a moment to update our members on the continued progress at the Center.

First and foremost, thank you. The level of support—whether through donations, volunteer efforts, or simply showing up—has been outstanding and does not go unnoticed.

Over the past several months, we’ve made meaningful strides across multiple areas of the property:

  • Grounds & Parking Improvements: Ongoing work to improve the main parking area and surrounding grounds is well underway. These upgrades are focused on long-term usability and drainage, ensuring the Center remains accessible and functional during peak season and inclement weather.

  • Archives & Collections (“The Vault”): We are pleased to report that HVAC, air quality, and dehumidification/humidification systems within the Archives are now complete. These upgrades are critical to maintaining proper environmental conditions for the long-term preservation of our historical materials. In parallel, we have re-engaged efforts to organize, catalog, and properly manage the collection, supported by a dedicated working group and improved intake procedures.

  • Museum: Final coordination and finishing work within the museum is ongoing, with full completion targeted for the April/May timeframe as we prepare for the season.

  • Rod Shop (Educational Core): The Garrison–Carmichael Rod Shop HVAC upgrades are now complete. As many of you know, this space is the educational heart of the Center—supporting youth programs, classes, and hands-on learning—and these improvements ensure a stable environment for both programming and preservation moving forward.

  • Operations & Staffing: Like many seasonal organizations, we are balancing a busy calendar with limited staff resources. We are incredibly grateful to those who have stepped up to help, and we are working to ensure that volunteer efforts remain productive without becoming overly burdensome.

Looking ahead, our focus remains on finishing what we’ve started—thoughtfully and responsibly—while continuing to build a strong foundation for the future.

On a personal note, I appreciate your patience and support during what has been a challenging time for my family. It reinforces just how special this community truly is. As always, my door is open. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Anthony J. Magardino

President

CFFCM Office