Founder’s Circle is an active community of Winterthur’s most dedicated supporters—individuals who contribute $2,500 or more annually to help sustain our mission.
Henry Francis du Pont, Winterthur’s founder, was a visionary collector and passionate horticulturalist. He turned his country estate into a museum with the vision that it would be a source of inspiration and education for visitors. Today, Founder’s Circle members carry forward that legacy with their support.
In appreciation of their generosity, Founder’s Circle members enjoy opportunities to engage with Winterthur’s collections and connect with our curators across the museum, garden, and library.
Founder’s Circle Members Make an Impact
Through their generosity, Founder’s Circle members provide critical resources for Winterthur’s programs and initiatives. Founder’s Circle gifts support:
Expanded Educational Outreach
Each year, approximately 15,000 students benefit from free field trips that connect Winterthur’s mission and resources to classroom learning in subjects ranging from science to the visual arts.
Library Acquisitions
The growth of our library’s exceptional holdings, including rare books, manuscripts, original works on paper, ephemera, and photographs— preserves knowledge for future generations.
Collections and Exhibitions
From acquiring significant new objects to supporting curatorial research and developing innovative exhibitions, Founder’s Circle contributions keep Winterthur’s collections vibrant and relevant.
Research in American Material Culture
A professional development fund allows graduate students in the WPAMC to travel, present their work, and engage with peers and the public.
Restoration Projects
Projects like the restoration of the original lead garden ornament at the Reflecting Pool not only restore historic elements on the estate but also enhance timeless focal points for museum and garden programs.
Benefits
Founder’s Circle members enjoy exceptional access and opportunities for learning and engagement with fellow donors.
| $2,500 | $5,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invitations to exclusive donor events, academic programs | x | x | x | x |
| Invitation to the Delaware Antiques Show Opening Night preview party and daily complimentary general admission | x | x | x | x |
| Special access to Winterthur’s senior staff members through private tours and general advisory services | x | x | x | x |
| Subscription to the Founder’s Circle newsletter | x | x | x | x |
| Invitation to the fall Founder’s Circle Annual Meeting | x | x | x | x |
| Fully tax-deductible annual contributions | x | x | x | x |
| A subscription to Winterthur Portfolio: A Journal of American Material Culture, published three times a year for Winterthur by the University of Chicago Press | x | x | ||
| Opportunity to host a cocktail reception and personalized tour of the Winterthur collection, garden, or library with senior staff members (additional fees may apply) | x | x | ||
| Opportunity to schedule a private dinner for your household and six guests with Winterthur’s director and senior staff members (additional fees may apply) | x |
In addition to unique experiences, Founder’s Circle members receive daily free admission to the museum, garden, and estate, dawn-to-dusk access to the estate during our annual winter closure, and a 10% discount on shopping and dining at Winterthur.
For more information, please contact the Founder’s Circle office at 302.888.4673 or contributions@winterthur.org.