Donor Stories

The Museum's future is our responsibility

Yes, they each have a favorite plane. For Janice, it's the Aerocar. For Barry, it's the Museum's 1914 Caproni. While their opinions on artifacts may differ, the husband-and-wife docent team of Barry and Janice Dupler firmly agree on one thing – supporting the ongoing legacy and mission of The Museum of Flight.

"Our charitable giving is directed toward education and historic preservation, particularly to institutions that support both. The Museum of Flight meets both those goals," says Barry.

Janice and Barry first became members of the Museum when Barry joined Boeing in 1977. They enjoyed visiting and viewing the artifacts, but they credit their son for helping them see the Museum in a whole new light.

"We sponsored a field trip for our son's eighth-grade class to the Challenger Learning Center. We were so impressed that we continued to sponsor field trips for several years after that. That's really when we became aware of the active role the Museum played in education," says Janice, who worked as a preschool teacher and librarian for 40 years.

Now retired and volunteering as docents, the Duplers see firsthand the impact of the Museum's ever-expanding educational programs. Watching parents introduce their small children to the Museum for the first time is especially meaningful. Will this be the spark that ignites a lifelong passion?

"We have no doubt that many of these children will grow up with a lasting interest in science, technology, and flight," says Barry.

Over the years, they've also witnessed the extraordinary care and conservation of the Museum's artifacts. The Museum's commitment to preserving the artifacts and collections for future generations is equally important to them. Seeing such tremendous support for their twin passions of education and preservation convinced them to include a bequest to the Museum in their estate plans.

It's also their way of giving back -- for all the special memories and friendships made while sharing their knowledge and the stories of the Museum's vast collection with thousands of visitors year after year.

"The legacy of the Museum will be built in both large steps and small ones," says Barry. "Janice and I do not have the means to be major benefactors to the Museum, but we are supporting the Museum in our estate plans because we recognize that the long-term future of the Museum is the responsibility of all of us, and that it is important that we support it as we are able."

If you have been so generous as to include a bequest to The Museum of Flight as part of your estate plan, please take the time to let us know. We would like to recognize you and your family for your generosity and welcome you into the Eagle Heritage Society.

Is a charitable bequest right for you?

We have resources that will help you learn more about bequests. Click here to review sample bequest language. You will see how easy it is to include a bequest in your will or trust.

You might find it helpful to print this page and the bequest language. Please feel free to give this information to your attorney. If he or she has any questions, please contact us.