Two months ago, Augusta's signature history museum, the Augusta Museum of History, was facing a major financial crisis. It had been hit by the perfect storm of bad news and unfortunate events -- among them being the Augusta Commission's reduction in its annual financial support. To weather this storm, the leadership of the museum had to make very tough decisions on how to continue operations.

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Today, just two months later, your museum has weathered the storm, is on a solid financial foundation and will soon offer two fascinating new exhibits. How this comeback happened is an interesting story. Other organizations and institutions that are facing serious budgetary shortfalls may be able to gain insights from how the museum handled these tough issues.

THE STEPS TAKEN by the museum follow:

- In January, a crisis action team was quickly put together. Consisting of staff, the president of the board of trustees and a small group of other trustees, this team brainstormed ideas, made quick decisions and developed and implemented an action plan. What was especially interesting about this team was its ability to stay focused on the long term and to avoid making "Band Aid" fixes to problems that required major surgery.

- A fund-raising effort was initiated with a goal of raising $150,000 fast. Each board member was asked to make a donation and to bring in a minimum of $3,000. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of more than 100 individuals and one foundation, $145,000 was raised in just two months. With such strong momentum, the last $5,000 should come in soon.

- A special meeting of the board was held in February to approve a radically reduced 2010 operating budget. The board also discussed ways to continue the momentum behind the fund-raising that had commenced the week before.

- An aggressive new membership drive was initiated with special gifts awarded to those who join at the $60 level or higher.

- Personnel costs were reduced significantly. Six full-time staff positions were eliminated (staffing is down by 60 percent). The remaining staff members each are required to take as much as three weeks of unpaid furloughs in 2010.

- Museum hours were reduced, and the museum is now closed the first three days of each week. (However, group visits can be arranged on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays by calling the Museum at (706) 722-8454; also, the museum will be open every day of Masters Week.)

- Heating, air conditioning, insulation and roofing experts provided suggestions on how to reduce the utility bills.

- A major new exhibition was completed -- "Celebrating a Grand Tradition: The Sport of Golf." It will be open to the public commencing this coming Friday, March 19. This exhibition, like all future exhibitions, was funded outside of the museum's general operating budget. This new golf exhibition should increase attendance in the months and years ahead.

Incidentally, attendance has been on the rise ever since the James Brown exhibit opened in May 2008. With a flow-through of more than 42,000 per year, the Augusta Museum of History is one of the major attractions in the CSRA. History buffs, families, students of all ages, military men and women, retirees and tourists all find areas of interest in this multidimensional museum.

- The latest news is quite exciting. The museum has just been successful in arranging a long-term loan of the bronze statues of six famous golfers -- Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, Raymond Floyd and Byron Nelson. All will be displayed in the rotunda of the museum. Just think -- you can get your picture taken standing next to six golfing legends.

IT IS IMPORTANT to remember that this institution not only serves Augusta but also everyone throughout the entire CSRA. There are rare and priceless artifacts -- all of which are documented and preserved in the proper environmental conditions. This museum houses our legacy that many generations in the future can enjoy and learn from. The recent financial support we have received from individuals, foundations and businesses in the area proves that the Augusta Museum of History is important to a significant portion of our community.

Your help is still needed! A great way to help guarantee the future of your award-winning museum is for you to become both a member and an advocate. There is an easy three-step process.

- Send a check to the Augusta Museum of History, 565 Reynolds St., Augusta, GA 30901: $30 for an individual membership and $60 for a family.

- Visit the museum; come see the treasures of Augusta's past.

- Talk up the museum among your friends.

Again, thanks to everyone in the CSRA who supports the preservation of our rich and diverse cultural heritage!

(The writer, a retired U.S. Air Force major general, is the secretary of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. His e-mail address is genpsmith@aol.com.)