Nestled along the banks of the Lieutenant River, the Florence Griswold Museum is a national treasure. It was once the heart of the celebrated Lyme Art Colony—a haven for American Impressionist painters in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the museum preserves that rich legacy while drawing visitors from around the country to its renowned collection and exhibitions.
As the museum’s popularity grew, so did the need for more space to better serve its community and visitors. Leadership knew the time had come for a bold vision: a campaign that would not only expand the physical campus but also deepen the museum’s connection with its supporters.
The Florence Griswold Museum turned to the Winkler Group to help bring that vision to life.
The Campaign: Community at the Center
From the outset, we worked with museum leadership to position the campaign as a collaborative endeavor—rooted in history but focused firmly on the future.
Through in-depth planning and feasibility work, we brought together museum members, patrons, volunteers, trustees, staff, and community members to shape the campaign’s priorities. This inclusive approach ensured that every voice was heard and every stakeholder had a role in the museum’s next chapter.
The resulting case for support resonated deeply: the campaign would fund expanded galleries, enhance the museum’s beloved Artist’s Trail, and improve the overall visitor experience while safeguarding the museum’s collection for future generations.
With clear goals and broad community buy-in, the museum launched its most ambitious campaign ever.
