It’s been a busy time for the Museum since May!
The first Jack Russell Terrier Museum Benefit Trial was successfully held the weekend of July 16-17th in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The trial was attended by nearly 200 terriers and their owners, who enjoyed the many terrier events, and a Friday evening dinner and spirits raffle. Although expenses were higher than usual since this was the first trial, thanks to all who sponsored classes, donated to the raffles, exhibited their terriers, or gave of their time as judges and workers a nice profit was still achieved. The final financial reports are not yet complete, but we will post the netted amount as soon as they are.
The most exciting news is that we are looking for a farm property to house the Museum, and to offer space for the JRTCA office. As we began to put together the very basics of a Museum in the current office space, it quickly became obvious that much more would be needed if we were to obtain our goal of preserving the true Jack Russell Terrier – it is so much more than memorabilia on the walls and educational displays. Hands-on observation and training is such an important part of truly understanding this terrier.
We have had a generous promise of dollars for a sizable down payment, but we will still have to raise considerable funds to make it all happen. The plan is to find a place that will be the Jack Russell Terrier Homestead – a place that will be welcome all Jack Russell Terrier owners to not only visit the museum, but to be able to observe and do everything the true working Jack Russell does. A place where training, trialing, natural earthwork, and more can be offered. A place where Jack Russell enthusiasts can spend a terrier week or weekend, and learn everything there is to know about the Jack Russell Terrier, thus ensuring its future.
We will be beginning our fundraising campaign for The Homestead in the next week or so. A GO-FUND-ME page is being set up, and you can of course make donations through PayPal on this site – just mark it for THE HOMESTEAD! Every amount, no matter how small or large, will help us reach this important goal!
You can help by spreading the word to anyone and everyone who might want to make a donation to preserve the true Jack Russell Terrier!
Please check back frequently to see our progress.
Also, don’t forget we are still collecting unique Jack Russell related items for the museum. We also need photos of many of the early terriers that were influential in breeding throughout the past 30-35 years, and also those from England that were in so many pedigrees.
We will have a booth at the JRTCA National Trial in Boonsboro, MD October 12-14th. If you will be attending the Nationals, or in the area, please stop by and visit us!!