Named and Memorial Endowments

Named and Memorial Endowments

The Museum is seeking to establish a $10 million endowment by the end of 2010 to ensure operations of the eight Museum properties for future generations.  Named and Memorial Endowments can be established in the amount of $10,000 or more.  These can be pledged and paid over a five-year period.

The Museum's endowment was first established by a benefactor who chose to remain anonymous.  This wish has been honored, and the Museum is grateful to be building upon the generous foresight of this first donor.


Named Endowments

Henry H. Sweets III Endowment Henry Sweets III

The Henry H. Sweets III Endowment was announced in 2008 on the 30th anniversary of Sweets joining the Museum staff.  The endowment was established by longtime Museum friend Warren Gould of Texas with a gift from his sister's estate.  Margaret Dent taught speech and English in the Hannibal Public Schools for 27 years.  Like her brother, Dent had a great fondness for the Museum and Henry Sweets.  This endowment is to provide operating funds for the Museum.

Ronald E. Riese Endowment Ronald E. Riese

The Ronald E. Riese Endowment was announced in 2009.  The endowment was established by Museum executive director, Dr. Cindy Lovell, to honor the fourth grade teacher that introduced her to the writings of Mark Twain.  Riese taught at Newberry Elementary School in Etters, Pennsylvania for 35 years and is now retired.  Lovell credits him with her love for Mark Twain and the Museum.  This endowment will support operations.

Mississippi Valley Gun Club

The Mississippi Valley Gun Club Endowment was announced in 2010.  The Gun Club was formed sometime prior to 1953 and remains one of the longest continually running gun clubs in the area. President Leo Harrison expressed the Club's interest in supporting operations of the Museum through this named endowment.

Memorial Endowments

Herbest S. Parham was a longtime Museum friend and supporter who had served as Board President and whose leadership and generosity have had a lasting impact on the Museum's properties.  His passing on January 31, 2009 was sorely felt by those who knew him.  Parham, his wife Jane, and their family have provided years of support for the Mark Twain Home Foundation including the donation and renovation of the Museum Gallery and the reconstruction of the Huckleberry Finn House in honor of their son, Austin Parham.  This memorial endowment was established by friends and family. 

To learn more about establishing a Named or Memorial Endowment, contact Dr. Cindy Lovell at 573-221-9010, ext. 402.

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