Marcella Sembrich Memorial Association Inc.

The Marcella Sembrich Memorial Association Inc. is a private operating foundation classified under 501(c)(3) that functions primarily as a cultural institution rather than a traditional grantmaker. Located in Bolton Landing, NY on Lake George, the organization maintains and operates the Marcella Sembrich Opera Museum, honoring the legacy of Polish soprano Marcella Sembrich (1858-1935). With approximately $5 million in total assets, the foundation's strategy centers on direct charitable activities: operating the museum, presenting an annual summer festival of concerts and exhibitions, and running educational outreach programs promoting classical music and opera appreciation. The foundation does not appear to make external grants to other organizations; instead, it is itself a grant recipient, receiving support from entities such as the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), the Glens Falls Foundation, and the Greater Hudson Heritage Network.

The foundation's financial profile shows FY2024 total revenues of $592,780 against expenses of $594,669, with total assets of $5,041,364. Revenue streams include grants and contributions ($297,341), investment income ($92,507), asset sale gains ($140,552), and miscellaneous revenue ($60,356). The organization reports zero employees, suggesting it relies on volunteers, contractors, and seasonal staff. Program expenses break down into three areas: museum operations ($141,983), concert and exhibition programming ($306,007), and outreach programs ($17,920). As a private operating foundation, it is exempt from excise taxes on investment income. The foundation has been a consistent recipient of NYSCA Support for Organizations grants: $30,000 (FY2023), $40,000 (FY2024), $25,000 (FY2025), and $25,000 (FY2026). It has also received $15,000 from the Glens Falls Foundation and $7,500 from the Greater Hudson Heritage Network.

The Sembrich operates in the niche of single-artist memorial museums with active programming. Here is how it compares to similar heritage cultural institutions:

The Sembrich differentiates itself through its combination of museum preservation and active performance programming, with partnerships including Opera Saratoga, The Seagle Festival, and The Philadelphia Orchestra. Its visitor count of approximately 2,000 annually is modest, but its summer festival programming draws regional and national audiences to the Lake George area.

The Sembrich's 2025 Summer Festival, themed "The Gilded Age," explored late-19th and early-20th century America through the career of Marcella Sembrich with concerts, lectures, and films. Looking ahead, the 2026 Summer Festival is titled "Brava! Celebrating Women in Music," honoring women composers, patrons, educators, and cultural leaders whose contributions have often been overlooked. The season will feature concerts, lectures, and exhibitions exploring themes of artistic empowerment, mentorship, and creative legacy. The museum and grounds will be open daily from May 23 through October 12, 2026. The organization was also selected as one of 96 museums across New York State to participate in the Museum Association of New York's "Building Capacity, Creating Sustainability, Growing Accessibility" program, an IMLS CARES Act grant project. The foundation continues to receive NYSCA funding, with a $25,000 grant awarded for FY2026.

Important note: The Marcella Sembrich Memorial Association is a private operating foundation that functions as a cultural institution, NOT as a traditional grantmaking foundation. It does not appear to offer grants or funding to external organizations. Nonprofits seeking support should note that The Sembrich is itself a grant seeker and fundraiser. However, for organizations working in classical music, opera, or arts education in the Lake George / Adirondack region, there may be partnership and collaboration opportunities. The Sembrich actively partners with organizations like Opera Saratoga, The Seagle Festival, and The Philadelphia Orchestra for programming. To explore collaboration: contact office@thesembrich.org or call (518) 644-2431. The museum is seasonal (late May through mid-October), so outreach is best timed for spring planning season (February-April).