Our Visitors, Our Advocates: How you can help Olana through Social Media
Melanie Hasbrook, Development and Marketing Communications Manager
How does a historic house in the Hudson Valley share all that it has to offer while keeping its friends interested in what is going on and attracting new visitors? Social media of course. Social media has become such a popular way for individuals and companies to share what’s happening each and every moment and Olana is no different. While we may have the “inside” perspective, we also rely on our friends and visitors to promote us as well. Each day, our social media following gets larger and expands to new audiences. This year is perhaps the most important yet as we move into our full season. Here’s how you can help.
As you may have heard, we are opening our largest exhibition yet “River Crossings: Contemporary Art Comes Home” in conjunction with the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. We invite you to come and see contemporary art in these historic spaces and landscapes. Although you cannot take photos inside the houses, we encourage you to photograph outdoors and post to your social media with the hashtag #RiverCrossingsArt. This exhibit will be open May 3 through November 1.
April is Olana’s first ever membership drive. By joining or renewing your membership during the month, your contribution will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous donor who prefers to remain anonymous. When you give, you’ll be invited to the preview opening of River Crossings which takes place in just over a week. Encourage friends and family to give as well by using the hashtag #4Olana. Your valued support means so much to the future of Olana.
Speaking of the future, in 2016 we will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Saving of Olana. It’s through the efforts of individuals like you that we are able to have this Hudson Valley gem and we are all stewards to keep it going for future generations. As we move into the anniversary, #Olana66 and share your memories and stories. Perhaps some of these memories include attendance at one of our summer parties. On Saturday, August 8, we will once again be holding a summer party, “Icebergs in August,” celebrating Church’s travels to the Canadian Artic which inspired one of his largest and most popular paintings, The Icebergs. Purchase your tickets and hashtag #OlanaIcebergs to share why you’re looking forward to this event.
Of course there are other opportunities besides these. Are you joining us for an education program #OlanaEducation, how about a walk in the landscape #OlanaLandscape, did you purchase a beautiful Olana inspired item in the Museum Shop #OlanaMuseumShop or maybe you just want to say something in general #Olana. Don’t forget to tag us so we can comment, share and post to our following. We’re on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest and can be found @OlanaSHS.
Together, let’s see how much social media buzz we can create and let Olana be heard.
