Support, Preserve, Protect Grant

Challenging Opportunities: Throught the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Lilly II, Heritage Museums & Gardens has received challenge grants to support the Preservations & Restoration Fund.  Each donation toward a specific carousel figure or automobile, or to the general Carousel or Automobile restoration funds, will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Lilly's generous challenge.

Carousel Sponsorship

Heritage Heritage Museums & Gardens beloved carousel is nearly 100 years old. It was built in the early 1900's by Charles I.D. Loof, one of the greatest carousel manufacturers in the United States. Immigrating from Germany in 1870, Looff carved a carousel in his spare time, which was installed in 1876 at Coney Isaland, New York. He was the first to open and operate a carousel in what would become America's favorite amusement park. Whirling around the Art Museum Glass Rotunda since 1972, the carousel has brought joy to over 2 million visitors. By helping Heritage to preserve and restore it, the carousel will be delighting visitors for many years to come.

Chariot       
Gifts of $5000 and over.  As our thank you, Charioteers will receive:
All the benefits of Prancers, as well as free use of the Heritage Museums & Gardens Carousel area for one function or event for up to 50 people (see Note below).

Prancers     
Gifts of $2500 to $4999.  As our thank you, Prancers will receive:
All the benefits of Jumpers, as well as a private, behind-the-scenes tour with the Curator of the Collection

Jumper       
Gifts of $1000 to $2499. As our thank you, Jumpers will receive:

  • A photograph of you or a loved on riding on a restored carriage or horse;
  • Recognition in the Art Museum Glass Rotunda, and in our newsletter, the Cupola

The Carousel Restoration Fund  
Gifts under $1000. Donations to this fund help Heritage preserve our beautiful carousel for future generations to enjoy.

Automobile Sponsorship

Heritage Museums & Gardens has a long-standing committment to preserving and presenting American Antique automobiles to the public.  The invention of the automobile refashioned the world as much as any invention in history - where we live, where we go, what we eat - were all reshaped by its mass production.  Maintaining an automobile collection allows us to give our visitors a view into machines where art, technology, culture, history, wanderlust, power and desire come together.  The objects in the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Museum represent 60 years of innovation.  Since 2003, selected automobiles have been driven in local parades and other civic events.  By preserving and displaying these automobiles, we open a window to a by-gone era for our visitors to share.

Aces              
Gifts of $5000 and over.  As our thank you, Aces will receive:
All the benefits of Chauffeurs, as well as the free use of the Automobile Museum for one function or event for up to 50 people (see Note below).

Chauffeurs    
Gifts of $2500 to $4999.  As our thank you, Chauffeurs will receive:
All the benefits of Navigators, as well as  a private, behind-the-scenes tour with Automobile Curator

Navigators   
Gifts of $1000 to $2499.  As our thank you, Navigators will receive:
Recognition in the K.K. Lilly III Automobile Museum, and in our newsletter the Cupola

Automobile Restoration Fund    
Gifts under $1000. Donations to the fund help Heritage keep the remarkable collection in mint condition.

Note: The use of the facility only.  Catering and other expenses are not included.

For information about any of our Restoration & Preservation Programs, please contact: Wendy Perry, Director of Development, at 508.888.3300, x-114, or E-Mail: wperry@heritagemuseums.org