Washington County Museum of Fine Arts seeks $143,500 in FY27 support as it advances capital campaign

Jim Holzapel, president of the Museum Board of Trustees, and Sarah Hall, the museum’s executive director, presented a year-in-review and a funding request to the Washington County Board of Commissioners. Hall described 2025 as a year of expanded exhibitions and programs, saying the museum typically runs “six to eight exhibitions” a year and that school visits remain an important part of the institution’s mission. “In a typical year, we serve 6 to 7,000 students in Washington County public schools,” Hall said during the presentation.

Treasurer Justin Hartings outlined the museum’s finances, reporting that total expenses in fiscal year 2025 were just over $1.7 million and income totaled just over $2.0 million, with roughly 88% of expenses going toward program services. Hartings said 27% of contributed income for 2025 came from the Washington County Commissioners, the City of Hagerstown and the Maryland State Arts Council, totaling about $293,000.

Hall described progress on a capital expansion: schematic design is complete, the project is in design-development and the campaign is roughly 61% to goal. As the museum plans for FY27, museum leaders requested $143,500 from the county—an increase from last year—saying rising operating costs such as electricity and insurance are driving the need. County Administrator Michelle Gordon told the board the request is included in staff’s FY27 budget materials and that no motion would be taken at this meeting.

Commissioners responded with praise and memories of the museum’s local role; several acknowledged the institution’s educational reach and community programming. The museum said it would return for a more detailed capital campaign update if commissioners wish. The county will consider the museum’s FY27 request during the upcoming budget process.