SmithsonianCampaign James smithson society James Smithson’s Legacy James Smithson Society THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION was In 1846, Congress created the Smithsonian, founded through an extraordinary act which today is the world’s largest museum Membership of philanthropy. British scientist James and research complex. Smithson never could Smithson (1765–1829) had a passion and have imagined the exciting discoveries and a vision. He believed that science and scholarship his generous gift made possible. The Smithsonian belongs to every American. knowledge benefit people everywhere We invite you to join the James Smithson and that sharing them freely could As a James Smithson Society member, change the world for the better. Society and build on this remarkable legacy. It is amazing to see the your annual gift helps us share the nation’s Although he never set foot in America, As a member of a national community of museums through the Smithson believed in the promise of a new philanthropists, you join others who provide eyes of our children. collections and broaden access to our significant support throughout the year to As Smithson Society nation and that the United States would keep the institution they cherish at the scholarship and resources. It supports the members, we are part play an important role in human progress. of a group of people forefront of discovery. Smithson bequeathed his entire estate, work of our talented curators, researchers who want to give back. “to found at Washington, under the Whether your passion is science, history, —LAURA AND name of the Smithsonian Institution, art, culture or education, you can pursue and educators. Membership offers a MATTHEW MAASDAM an establishment for the increase and it at the Smithsonian. Washington, D.C. unique opportunity to connect with diffusion of knowledge.” endeavors across the Smithsonian that COVER Henri-Joseph Johns, are making a difference in the world. James Smithson, 1816. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian 1 A Lifelong Relationship with the Smithsonian PROVIDE CRITICAL SUPPORT EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS At no other institution does your philanthropy A James Smithson Society membership is fuel groundbreaking work in as many disciplines— an opportunity to build a lifelong relationship from leading research in science and history to with the Smithsonian and connect to everything distinguished scholarship in art and culture. it does. Across the Smithsonian’s 19 museums, Behind-the-scenes tours, events, engagement nine research centers, the National Zoo and with our experts and the opportunity to meet Conservation Biology Institute, we are preserving other James Smithson Society members, with My family’s long association our nation’s heritage, saving species, discovering diverse interests, are part of the experience. with the Smithsonian has new planets, helping to sustain Earth’s biodiversity, been an important part You can see and learn firsthand about progress providing educational experiences for school of our lives. It’s been an to transform the National Museum of American incredible experience to children and telling the many stories of what History’s west wing, what researchers are watch it expand and realize it means to be American. You can help. uncovering around the globe and what the its worldwide reach. Through your James Smithson Society director of your favorite art museum is planning. — PAT JERNIGAN Virginia membership, you can explore as an insider Whether your passion lies with our nation’s the breadth and depth of the Smithsonian achievements in space, portraiture of great James Smithson Society members while you support the endeavors and outreach Americans, sustaining our oceans or preserving Jerrold Levy and Maria Arias (left) of every museum and research center. Your and donors Alsie Cluff, Annette the world’s endangered languages, membership Cluff and Mildred Smith at the annual giving at this level provides a stable is a way to deepen your connection. Annual Smithsonian Weekend source of funding, which allows the institution Recognition Dinner, held at to remain flexible and launch its most vital the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery. new initiatives. 2 3 Join the James Smithson Society James Smithson Society members make an annual gift The Smithsonian is one of of $2,500 or more. These gifts provide vital funds, which the wonders of the world support every museum, research center and program and a source of pride for across the Smithsonian. our country. Our financial foundation is provided by DEEPEN YOUR CONNECTION Congress, the American When you join the James Smithson Society, you make an people and generous donors important investment in the Smithsonian. In appreciation of willing to invest in ideas. your generous support, we invite you to learn and discover at Because the Smithsonian is members-only events around the country and in Washington, free and open to all, children The Smithsonian has D.C., including the Annual Smithsonian Weekend, receptions and adults of all ages can launched a $1.5 billion visit again and again to in prominent Smithsonian venues, tours led by curators and fundraising campaign, the explore a wide range of scholars, the Secretary’s Keynote Address and a formal most ambitious in history interests. The Smithsonian dinner with Smithsonian leadership. for a cultural institution. can educate us, inspire us The campaign will spur our and unite us. JAMES SMITHSON SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP 19 museums, nine research — DIANE SCOTT-JONES S. Dillon Ripley Circle $ 2,500 and above centers and the National Zoo Maryland Samuel Pierpont Langley Circle $ 5,000 and above to spark discovery, tell Joseph Henry Circle $10,000 and above America’s story, inspire Smithson Society members Barbara John Quincy Adams Circle $25,000 and above Bonessa, Alan Perkins, Richard lifelong learning and reach McCrary, Laura Peebles and Ellen people everywhere. Fingerman behind the scenes at the National Museum of Natural LEARN MORE ABOUT MEMBERSHIP AT SMITHSONSOCIETY.ORG History, with Q?rius Education OR CONTACT JAMES SMITHSON SOCIETY DIRECTOR LAURA Center Manager Efrain Tejada. BROUSE-LONG AT 202.633.2027, [email protected]. SmithsonianCampaign 4 We support the Smithsonian because it shows every visitor the creativity, history, art and technology of our great nation. — MICHAEL AND GRETCHEN KRISS Washington Smithsonian James Smithson Society JAMES SMITHSON SOCIETY AND SMITHSONIAN GIVING CIRCLES S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW, Suite 3150 PO Box 37012, MRC 712 Washington, DC 20013-7012 smithsonsociety.org | 202.633.2027 ERIC LONG LONG ERIC | SMITHSONIANGARDENS .