Elevate the Ella

Ella Merriman Sharp was known throughout Michigan in the early twentieth century for her forestry and civic improvement work. Through her membership in local women’s clubs and participation in the Michigan Federation and National Federation of Women’s Clubs, she understood the power that women working together could have at both the community and statewide levels.

Ella left an amazing legacy! She willed her farm to Jackson, instructing the city to create a park and museum. Sharp Park opened in 1919 and with help from the Jackson Junior Welfare League (JJWL), the Ella Sharp Museum open in 1965. Today, with generous funding from members, sponsors, and supporters the Ella Sharp Museum honors Ella through its exhibits, programs, and public festivals.

Today the museum operates 11 buildings on six acres. The Hadwin Center connects seven galleries featuring changing art, science, and history exhibits, permanent exhibits of Jackson history, wildlife art, and an exquisite antique clock collection. Regularly scheduled tours of Ella’s farmhouse and family-friendly shows in the Hurst Planetarium complete the museum’s public offerings.

Business, Community and Individual Sponsorship Opportunities

Like many non-profit organizations, Ella Sharp Museum relies on sponsorships as a vital source of annual operating income that allows the Museum to continue bringing wonderful programs to our community:

Sugaring and Shearing Festival
Fall Harvest Festival
History, Science & Art educational programming
Exhibition funding
Community outreach partnerships with organizations like the Interfaith Shelter and ClubLife
Discount admission programs like Museums for All, the Ella Sharp Museum Pass through the Jackson District Library and Blue Star Museums; all of which help provide reduced or free admissions for low-income and Veteran and Military families can access the Museum.

100% of the support we receive to fund our operation and programs helps us fulfill our mission: To provide opportunities for everyone to explore, engage in and enjoy history and the arts.

If you are interested in becoming an Ella Sharp Museum sponsor, we would love to talk to you personally about your interest in supporting the Museum.

Make a Donation

Sponsorship Opportunities

Champion $5000

Top Billing on all Elevate the Ella promotional materials
2024 Sustainer Membership
Social Media Recognition
10 tickets for your business or customers to attend the Museum & Planetarium
Recognition on the ESM Website & Media Screens
Logo on Elevate the Ella Thank You Poster, featured within the Hadwin Center through 2026
Logo on Elevate the Ella Banner, placed along front gate on Fourth St. & Horton Rd. through 2024
Invitation to the Elevate the Ella Thank You Bash, Spring 2024

Visionary $2500

Recognition on all Elevate the Ella promotional materials
2024 Sustainer Membership
5 tickets for your business or customers to attend the Museum & Planetarium
Recognition on the ESM Website & Media Screens
Social Media Recognition
Logo on Elevate the Ella Thank You Poster, featured within the Hadwin Center through 2026
Logo on Elevate the Ella Banner, placed along front gate on Fourth St. & Horton Rd. through 2024
Invitation to the Elevate the Ella Thank You Bash, Spring 2024

Neighbor $1500

Recognition on all Elevate the Ella promotional materials
2024 Sustainer Membership
Social Media Recognition
Recognition on the ESM Website & Media Screens
Logo on Elevate the Ella Thank You Poster, featured within the Hadwin Center through 2026
Logo on Elevate the Ella Banner, placed along front gate on Fourth St. & Horton Rd. through 2024
Invitation to the Elevate the Ella Thank You Bash, Spring 2024

Friend $500

Recognition on all Elevate the Ella promotional materials
Recognition on the ESM Website & Media Screens
Logo on Elevate the Ella Thank You Poster, featured within the Hadwin Center through 2026
Logo on Elevate the Ella Banner, placed along front gate on Fourth St. & Horton Rd. through 2024
Invitation to the Elevate the Ella Thank You Bash, Spring 2024