Planned Giving

The Legacy

The idea of a museum in New Britain originated with prominent citizens and business leaders who established the museum’s parent, the New Britain Institute, in 1858. Their basic mission was to provide opportunities for cultural enrichment. Plans for an art collection became a reality in 1903 through the bequest of the industrialist John Butler Talcott. Since that time, countless gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations and government agencies have brought the museum to its respected position as an institution of the highest quality. Many donors have found it appropriate to remember the museum in their wills or trusts or otherwise to make a planned gift.

Heritage Society

In 2004 the Board of Trustees formed the NBMAA Heritage Society to honor those who have included gifts to the New Britain Museum of American Art in their estate plans, and to encourage others to do so. Membership in the Heritage Society is open to any person or couple who has:

  • Funded a charitable gift annuity, a pooled income fund agreement, a charitable remainder annuity trust, a charitable remainder unitrust, a life insurance policy or retirement plan that designates the NBMAA as a charitable beneficiary;
  • Named the NBMAA as charitable beneficiary of an IRA, a qualified pension plan or a life insurance policy;
  • Included a bequest to the NBMAA in his or her will; and/or
  • Promised to bequeath a work of art.

In appreciation, Heritage Society members receive invitations to special programs and events including the annual Heritage Society brunch and acknowledgement in the NBMAA Annual Report. There are no dues or fees associated with membership.

The Museum accepts a number of types of planned gifts including outright bequests, charitable gift annuities, life insurance policies, etc. Click here for an overview. Donors are encouraged to consult with their financial advisor and/or legal counsel.

Contact Amanda Shuman with your questions or for more information at (860) 229-0257, ext. 246 or [email protected].