Bequests
Every bequest, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference.
A gift in your will can help preserve and share the stories, places and collections of NSW for generations to come.
Consider a future gift to Museums of History NSW
As a valued supporter of Museums of History NSW, you understand the importance of preserving the stories, places, collections and archives that reflect the rich, diverse and continuing histories of NSW.
A gift in your will, or a pledge made during your lifetime, is a meaningful way to help protect our history for future generations. Your legacy could support the conservation of our historic places, the care and digitisation of significant collections and archives, and education programs that inspire a passion for history.
Just 1 per cent can make a difference
Many supporters choose to leave just 1 per cent of their estate to Museums of History NSW, while leaving 99% to family and loved ones. Whatever the size, every bequest enables us to embark on ambitious and enduring initiatives that help preserve and share our state’s history.
Join the History Circle and experience the impact of your support today
If you choose to let us know about your intention to include Museums of History NSW in your will, you’ll be welcomed into the History Circle, our recognition program for bequest supporters.
As a member of this program, you’ll have opportunities to engage more closely with our work, experience the impact of your support during your lifetime and join a community committed to preserving the history and heritage of NSW. Most importantly, it gives us the chance to say thank you.
Supporting the great work and collections of MHNSW through a bequest is a real privilege. Being part of the History Circle allows me to see the impact of my support during my lifetime.
A gift for the future
I love MHNSW, and leaving a bequest is my way of helping preserve the heritage and history of NSW while supporting an organisation dedicated to keeping our shared past alive.
Together, we can ensure the stories, places and collections of NSW are preserved and shared for generations to come.
Contact us
We appreciate that your will is very personal and any information you provide will be treated confidentially. To learn more about leaving a bequest to Museums of History NSW contact the Philanthropy office.
Impacts of past bequests
Caroline Simpson Collection
The library was renamed in honour of Caroline Simpson OAM (1930-2003), after her outstanding collection of Australian colonial furniture, pictures and objets d’art was donated to the Historic Houses Trust of NSW and an endowment established in her memory. This generous gift has served as the cornerstone for establishing Australia’s leading interiors and gardens library and is named the Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection, in her memory, recognising the importance of the gift by her children
The Richard Clough Gift
Professor Richard Clough (1921–2014), landscape architect, academic and collector, presented his outstanding collection of books on the history of Australian gardens, gardening and gardeners to Sydney Living Museums (now Museums of History NSW). Richard’s gift was transformational, giving a depth and breadth to our existing garden history holdings and providing a foundation for the accelerated development of our collection
The Ruth Pope Bequest
Ruth Pope – a long time member of ADFAS, frequent visitor to our properties, and lover of history, education, travel, archaeology and silver – left a generous and unrestricted bequest to Sydney Living Museums (now Museums of History NSW). This bequest has been used to assist with our Aboriginal Community Engagement Partnership, employment of our first co-ordinator of the Aboriginal Interpretation Program, as well as international engagement and professional exchange
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About us
Our central role is to preserve our places and collections for future generations and share the stories of our state