In
1826 James Smithson created a remarkable and unprecedented legacy
gift to the United States. Smithson's bequest through his will led
to the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution in 1846 "for
the increase and diffusion of knowledge." Since then, many
visionary individuals have helped to advance the Institution's tradition
of excellence through bequests and other legacy gifts.
The Smithsonian
Legacy Society honors and recognizes the generosity and vision of
those who, like James Smithson, have chosen to leave a legacy to
the nation through estate or deferred gifts to the Institution.
Legacy donors receive special recognition in Smithsonian publications
and invitations to annual Society activities. The Institution will
also honor requests for donor anonymity. Honorees of the society
may choose to designate their gifts to the Institution at large
or to specific Smithsonian museums, programs, or research initiatives.
Enrollment in
this honorary society is simply a matter of advising the Institution
of the creation of a legacy gift: a bequest in a will or living
trust; a charitable gift annuity; a charitable remainder trust;
a Smithsonian pooled income fund gift; or designation as beneficiary
of a retirement plan or life insurance policy.
For additional information
or enrollment
in the Smithsonian Legacy Society, please contact:
The
Smithsonian Legacy Society
1000 Jefferson Drive, S.W., 4th Floor
P.O. Box 37012, MRC 035
Washington, DC 20013-7012
(888) 419-7584
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