Gifts to the Collection

The Alfred Mansfield Brooks Society

The Alfred Mansfield Brooks Society was established to honor individuals, corporations and foundations who contribute to the growth and enhancement of the Cape Ann Museum’s collections in a substantial way.

The Alfred Mansfield Brooks Society recognizes those who have made a donation of art, artifacts, or archival materials, or who have provided funds for the purchase or conservation of such at a minimum of $10,000 since 2009. Members are listed in the Museum’s annual report and other publications and receive invitations to an annual recognition event as well as to other educational opportunities throughout the year.

Alfred Mansfield Brooks (1870-1963), long time president and curator of the Museum, was responsible for assembling what would ultimately become the largest and finest collection of works by marine artist Fitz Henry Lane (1804-1865). Today, the Museum’s Lane Collection includes over 40 oil paintings and more than 100 pencil drawings. The fact that such a comprehensive group of works has remained in the artist’s hometown is remarkable, a testament to Brooks’ vision and foresight.

In honor of Brooks’ contributions and in recognition of others who have followed him and generously given fine art and or artifacts to the Museum, the Cape Ann Museum inaugurated the Alfred Mansfield Brooks Society in fall 2009.

For additional information please contact the Development Office at (978)283-0455 x120.

Gifts to the collection or funds designated for collections acquisitions, guarantee the Museum's ability to tell the story of Cape Ann's art, history and culture for generations to come. There are many ways to make a gift that are in keeping with your current and future financial and personal goals:

• Outright gifts may enable you to receive a charitable deduction for tax purposes
• Fractional gifts may allow you to keep partial ownership of your work and receive a charitable deduction for tax purposes
• Bequests allow you to keep your artwork for the remainder of your life, ensure its value to the community after your death and diminish the tax burden on your heirs
• Promised gifts enable you to enjoy your work and commit to a future gift to the Museum either during your lifetime or through a bequest

Benefits of making a gift to the collection include:

• Charitable deduction for income tax purposes
• Satisfaction in knowing that your gift will be cared for and made available for the public to enjoy
• For gifts valued at $10,000 and above, membership in the Alfred Mansfield Brooks Society

If a planned gift is something you would like to consider, consult an estate planner who is familiar with your particular circumstances.