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THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
NEW YORK 19

11 WEST 53rd STREET
TELEPHONE: CIRCLE 5 - 8900
CABLES: MODERNART, NEW - YORK

July 1, 1950

Dear Mr. Seligman:

I have recently taken on the job of chairman of the Membership Committee in The Museum of Modern Art, and I note that the renewal of your $20 membership comes up this month.

I am writing you at this time to tell you about some of the problems the Museum is facing. It is really unique among educational institutions in that it covers 62% of its budget from receipts of services rendered - that is, admissions, sale of publications, and regular memberships. In addition, the Trustees make heavy annual contributions, but there is still a gap of approximately $100,000 per year which must be met by broadening the base of the Museum's support. It is this gap whcih I am endeavoring to fill by securing as many members as possible in the $1,000 to $50 per annum brackets.

In view of this situation, I hope you will consider increasing the category of your membership to one of the classes listed on the attached card--naturally, the higher the better.

The Museum is reverting to three billing periods a year and if you enroll now, your membership will be extended to September 30, 1951.

Sincerely yours,

[handwritten] W. A. M. Burden

William A. M. Burden
Chairman, Membership Committee

Mr. Germain Seligman
5 East 57th Street
New York 22, N. Y.

P. S. Besides the regular membership privileges, the Contributing Members receive all the Museum books and publications (average of 8). They are also asked to special events and private previews, purposely organized for them.