The popular, sold-out Harvest Supper event attracted more than $125,000 in support for the University of Mississippi Museum and Historic Houses, thanks to the dedicated work of the Friends of the Museum. Photo by Danny K Photography.
OXFORD, Miss. – The 2019 Harvest Supper, on the grounds of Rowan Oak, raised more than $125,000 to support the University of Mississippi Museum and Historic Houses.
The Friends of the Museum’s annual sold-out event connects Ole Miss alumni, local residents and out-of-town guests with artists, writers and musicians for dinner and entertainment at the historic home and former residence of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner.
“Over the past eight years, Harvest Supper has established itself as a premier event in Oxford’s arts and cultural scene, and the funds it generates permit the museum to continue its dynamic growth and to offer a generous range of arts and educational programs for our community,” said Amy Lowe Lewis, 2019 Harvest Supper co-chair.
“Support and sponsorships from businesses and individuals allow the event to dedicate its proceeds entirely to the museum. We are grateful to everyone who takes part.”
Incredible music, art, cuisine and fellowship have become the highlights of the beloved annual Harvest Supper hosted on the grounds of Rowan Oak. Photo by Danny K Photography.
The Friends of the Museum is a volunteer organization that supports museum fundraising, advocacy and programing. Through Harvest Supper, Friends has been able to give more than $125,000 annually to the museum, most of which comes from sponsorships.
Frequently named one of the nation’s top college museums, the University Museum hosts visitors from all 50 states and 58 countries. Sponsor contributions, coupled with the proceeds of the art auction and ticket sales, support specific museum needs to enrich the overall museum experience.
The funds also support the museum’s educational programming, which reaches more than 10,000 north Mississippi children and students each year.
The event helps raise awareness about the ongoing needs to maintain and operate Rowan Oak, a National Historic Landmark, and the Walton-Young Historic House, also managed by the museum.
“Harvest Supper is a magical event, and attendees have remarked consistently about the power of the evening,” said Robert Saarnio, director of the University Museum. “It is the signature fundraising event benefiting the museum – the combination of cause and conviviality is unmatched in our community’s annual social calendar.
“Friends of the Museum is an essential and dedicated auxiliary for this museum, and much of what we do would not be possible without its support. The members are passionate about us, and their care and concern translate to tireless energy and goodwill on our behalf.”
The University Museum, at the intersection of University Avenue and Fifth Street, is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. The museum houses one of the nation’s largest collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, manages two historic properties and conducts numerous school- and community-based programs each year.
To view more images from the 2019 Harvest Supper, including photo booth captures, click here.
Individuals and organizations can learn more about supporting the University Museum by contacting Rob Jolly at 662-915-3085 or jolly@olemiss.edu.