Why We Give
This September, our Museum in Exposition Park opens its new wing, NHM Commons, a collection of beautiful and accessible spaces celebrating the intersection of science, nature, and culture.
Hear why museum fans helped us open new doors to natural history.
"My wife, Judith, had such a passionate connection to the Natural History Museum where she was a volunteer, Fellow, and a member of the Board of Trustees for many years. Our family felt that the NHM Commons would be the perfect place to honor that legacy as well as her love for NHM and for Los Angeles and its vibrant cultural life. For us, the Commons represents community and connection for all residents of Los Angeles, and the Welcome Center is at the core of that mission.
The Perlstein Family is deeply honored that our philanthropy will enable visitors to NHM to enter the Museum through the Judith Perlstein Welcome Center, and be awed by all the Museum has to offer as they start their visit to our beloved NHM.”—Ron Perlstein
"My connection to the museum goes beyond being a donor. For over a decade I have been volunteering with the NHM Public Programs, youth programs and more. I have made friends with families who are regular visitors, educators, members and fellow volunteers, young and old alike. We look for each other at NHM events. We share memories of our museum experiences. My now adult children have also volunteered at NHM, so it is a point of pride for our entire family.
The Chua family sees the decision to support the NHM Commons Project as an extension of our ongoing commitment to the museum. We opted to name both the ticketing desk and a bench for our parents, Luis and Angela Chua, who instilled in us a love for culture, nature, and the importance of education. Supporting the NHM Commons Project is a way for us to both honor our parents in a meaningful way, and contribute to the broader community. It brings us great joy to know that our efforts are ensuring that countless visitors, especially children, will have access to valuable cultural and educational experiences.”—Shirley Chua
“The first time I visited the Becoming Los Angeles exhibition at the Natural History Museum, I was inspired by Barbara Carrasco’s mural and its long journey to public recognition. It was so powerful and meaningful to the history of Los Angeles, and I just couldn’t get it out of my mind—the cultural impact, the story behind it, the colors.
Months later, I had the opportunity to meet Barbara and learn the history of this cultural project, and I knew then that this had to be a permanent part of the Natural History Museum collections, where it will finally be open and accessible to everyone in our city." —Vera Campbell
“As long-standing supporters and trustees of the Natural History Museum, we are overjoyed to participate in the NHM Commons campaign. What resonates with us is the portrayal of Los Angeles through Barbara Carrasco's remarkable mural, L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective. It not only serves as a beautiful and thought-provoking work of art but also as a powerful representation of the rich cultural tapestry that makes up the fabric of Los Angeles. We love that the mural will be available for all visitors to appreciate free of charge in the new Judith Perlstein Welcome Center, and we look forward to visiting it and witnessing the positive impact of our donation later this year.” — Nancy and John Edwards
