We are thankful for those who have made an estate gift to the Field Museum. Here are their stories.

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Ayer Society Member Turns Field Museum Efforts Into Personal Project

The Sparacio family, with guidance (and inspiration) from a Field staff member, made face shields for first responders and those at high risk in their community.

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Ensuring Our Values Live On

Through their kids’ enthusiasm, Beth and Eric Kauffman discovered the education programs at the Field Museum. A gift in their estate plan will ensure the Museum can inspire future generations of Chicagoland children.

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A Lifetime of Learning

A longtime supporter discovered a tax-smart way to support scientific research, conservation, and knowledge at the Field.

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Ambassadors to the World

Barbara Zigterman grew up visiting the Field Museum on school field trips. She and her husband, William, have included a gift in their estate plan, so future generations of children and scientists can discover the world together.

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A Lifelong Love of the Field Museum

Linda Egebrecht remembers visiting the Field Museum as a child. Later in life, she became a Geology volunteer and docent and included a gift in her estate plan to ensure future generations can discover all the Museum has to offer.

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Mark and Susan Dawson

The Dawsons have been coming to the Field Museum for more than 30 years. By naming the Museum as a beneficiary of Mark's retirement account, they are ensuring we will be around for generations to come.

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Lifelong Learning and Love of Science

As a child, Tonja Rizai Hall would frequently visit museums with her parents. Her lifelong curiosity and love of learning led her to include the Field Museum in her estate plan.

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Alan and Donna Resetar

Alan Resetar and his wife, Donna, have a love for natural history and a passion for the work we do. See how they are ensuring their support for the Field Museum continues for years to come.

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Dr. William and Mrs. Debra Parkhurst

Over the years, the Parkhursts have been so inspired by the Museum that they have included the Field Museum in their estate plan and joined the Edward E. Ayer Society.

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Adele Smith Simmons, Trustee

Books and movies tell stories of children lost or locked in museums after closing or even fleeing to a museum to teach their parents a lesson. Adele Smith Simmons really did grow up in the Field Museum while her mother, Ellen Thorne Smith, volunteered in the bird collection.

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Connie and Mark Crane Anthropology Lab

The Field Museum is honored to celebrate the naming of the Connie and Mark Crane Anthropology Laboratory. The Crane Lab, located on the third floor of the Museum, is named in honor of Mark and in memory of Connie Crane.

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