The Legacy Society honors individuals who have included The Mariners’ Museum and Park in their estate or giving plans by naming the Museum as a beneficiary to wills, living trusts, IRAs, and other methods of planned gifts. You may designate your legacy gift to the giving area that means the most to you, whether it be an unrestricted gift or an Endowment Fund.

Sample bequest language: 

Legal name: The Mariners’ Museum 

Address: 100 Museum Drive, Newport News, VA 23606 

Federal tax ID#: 54-0541801 

Sample language may be useful for making an unrestricted bequest: "I give, devise and bequeath to The Mariners’ Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News, VA 23606 [the sum of __________ Dollars ($____)], [ all or_______ % of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate of every kind and description (including lapsed legacies and devises)], to be used for its general charitable purposes." 

Sample language to establish an endowment for specific purposes: "I give, devise and bequeath to The Mariners’ Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News, VA 23606 [the sum of __________ Dollars ($____)], [all or_______ % of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate of every kind and description (including lapsed legacies and devises)], to create an endowment fund which, subject to the Museum's endowment spending rule, is to be used for the following purpose: [state the purpose]." 

Important Note: If you do specify a use for your bequest, the following language will ensure that your gift will always remain productive: "If at any time in the judgment of the Trustees of The Mariners’ Museum the designated use of this bequest is no longer practicable or appropriate, then the Trustees shall use the bequest to further the general purposes of the Museum, giving consideration, where possible, to my special interest as described [above][below][in ________________]."

If The Mariners' is listed in your estate plans, or if you are interested in learning more, please complete the form below. A member of our Development Team will reach out to you.

Please contact Sherri Fosdick at (757) 591-7730 or sfosdick@MarinersMuseum.org if you have any questions about The Legacy Society.