Plans for the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum are ambitious. It will be a reference center for the history of Niles, for the Essanay Film Company and for silent films in general, with an emphasis on the pioneering film companies of the San Francisco Bay Area. The museum will contain documents, memorabilia, photographs and movies related to the Essanay Film Company and Niles. Reference material will range from historical data on the houses, commercial buildings and people of Niles to biographical material on silent film companies and their personnel. Information on other film companies will be part of the collection so Essanay's role in history can finally be put into it's proper perspective as one of the major film companies of its era. It is hoped a collection of this depth will encourage the publication of books containing more accurate facts about Essanay than those previously written.
The museum plans takes active role in teaching, preserving and promoting this history. There will be exhibits on a rotating basis. The museum hosts film screenings--indoors and outside at night-and works collaboratively with other local historical organizations. The goal is to be a local source of pride, a safe haven for community history and a gathering place for the community.
As a 501C3 non-profit corporation, the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum accepts tax-deductible contributions in the form of archival collections, donations and grants. The museum also welcomes members and volunteers who wish to help accomplish these goals.
The museum sponsors a silent film festival in June each year as well as other fund raising activities during the year. Membership benefits include a quarterly newsletter and discounts at the museum store and the annual film festival.
(Please add $10 for foreign membership)
(Your museum donation is tax deductible)
Individual $25
Family $35
Sponsor $100
Corporate $500
Lifetime $1000
Trustee (or donation of major collection) $10,000
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Niles Silent Film Museum All rights reserved
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