Mark and Connie Crane
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. Naming a space where anthropological research thrives is a fitting memorial for Connie.
In December 2016, Mark Crane and his family and their friends were joined by Richard W. Lariviere, Field Museum President, and scientists from the anthropology team to celebrate the naming of the Crane Lab and to honor Connie’s memory.
Connie was a key supporter and volunteer Scientific Associate with the Anthropology team at The Field Museum for nearly 30 years. She helped develop the Alsdorf Hall of Northwest Coast and Arctic Peoples.
In addition to her volunteer work, Connie joined The Women’s Board in 1981. Connie’s extraordinary loyalty and support are echoed by her husband, Mark. Mark and Connie joined the Founders’ Council in 1986, and Mark is a member to this day. With a lifelong love of the Museum, Mark has been a leader at The Field Museum for decades.
In addition to their lifetime dedication, Connie and Mark made another important commitment, one that will exponentially expand their impact at the Museum and carry their legacy into the future. The gift plan that Mark used to honor the memory of his wife, and her passion for anthropology, used a tax-wise combination of current gifts and an estate commitment.
This allows Mark to enjoy seeing his gifts work today in memory of Connie, while knowing that in the future the important work of the Museum will continue through his generosity.
By making a gift plan in his estate, Mark also became a member of the Edward E. Ayer Society, which honors and recognizes people just like Mark, whose philanthropic vision includes making future plans in wills, insurance and retirement plans, and in tax qualified trusts and annuities.