Photo: Ed Zeiler

Last year, Carnegie Museums saw membership reach a record high—more than 27,000 households now belong to the Carnegie Museums family. Further, more than 2,400 individuals and organizations contributed to last year’s annual operating fund. This level of support is a powerful reminder that Carnegie Museums means a great deal to the region, and indeed to the nation.

Corporations provide essential support, as well. The SPARK! Campaign for Carnegie Science Center, which launched its quiet phase in the fall of 2014—just one month after my arrival—has, in less than two years, raised 77 percent of its $34.5 million goal. The corporate sector, which clearly understands the essential importance of the informal STEM-learning experiences offered by the Science Center, has played a major role in advancing this project. And as always, Pittsburgh’s foundations have made major contributions in support of our work and service to the community. Thanks to their encouragement, so many of our efforts have flourished!

When I think about our supporters, I think about the young parents who buy a premium membership in order to take full advantage of what our museums have to offer, the loyal donor who has written an annual fund check every year since she graduated from college, the major corporation that sponsors an exhibit and related educational activities, the foundation that commits funds so that an important initiative can be developed over several years. And I think about all those volunteers who donate their time and energy—those who serve on boards, those who help us welcome and educate the public as docents, those who organize and host events, and many others.

It’s therefore a special pleasure to have this opportunity to say thank you, and to acknowledge all those who have made significant contributions, along with our volunteer leaders, in the salute to donors included in this issue.

Not long ago, I called a donor to thank him for his most recent gift. When I asked what had motivated him to become such a loyal supporter of the museums, he first mentioned his trips (on the trolley!) to visit the museums as a child. But he then said that supporting the museums was something he could do to make sure Pittsburgh was a great place for children to grow up in today. His giving was his way of having an impact, making something happen that was important to him.

If you’d like to drop me a note to tell me why YOU give, I’d love to hear your story! Whatever you give, and whatever your reasons for giving, however, please know we deeply appreciate your contribution to this great institution.

Jo Ellen Parker, President & CEO
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh