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By Lookout Staff

August 15 – In what is the largest single contribution to the Santa Monica Historical Society Museum (SMHSM) to date, The Gilmore Family Trust has given the institution $630,000, museum officials announced Wednesday.

The non-profit museum – which will be relocating to a new permanent facility in the Santa Monica Public Library complex next spring – hopes to raise $5 million for its Endowment Fund, said Louise Gabriel, the museum’s president and CEO.

"We are thrilled to receive this generous gift from The Gilmore Family Trust,” Gabriel said. “The contribution will be used to help preserve the documents, images and artifacts in the museum’s many exhibits, as well as educational and research programs.”

Dr. Gilmore and his wife, Kathleen, longtime Santa Monica residents and supporters of the museum, had already donated $100,000, museum officials said.

The couple was active in a number of community organizations, including the Santa Monica Kiwanis Club, Santa Monica Family YMCA and local Boys & Girls Club and hoped to help preserve the history and culture of Santa Monica for future generations to enjoy, Gabriel said.

“Dr. Gilmore understood the importance of strong community ties and was a proponent for residents to learn and appreciate Santa Monica’s colorful history,” said Brett Carter, the John Gilmore Estate trustee.

“The Gilmores always believed the Santa Monica Historical Society Museum was performing a vital service by preserving memorabilia in celebration of Santa Monica,” Carter said.

As the museum prepares its move, it has been receiving major donations.

In February, Macerich, which owns Santa Monica Place, donated $100,000, which will be used to sponsor the “Then and Now” hands-on interactive exhibit in the permanent gallery of the new museum. (“Mall Owner Donates $100,000 for Historical Exhibit,” February 11, 2008)

Last November, the museum passed the $1 million fundraising mark thanks to a $250,000 donation from Morley Builders. (“Historical Society Museum Surpasses $1 Million Mark,” November 28, 2007)

Founded in 1975 under the City of Santa Monica Centennial Committee, the non-profit Historical Society Museum is currently located at 1539 Euclid Street.

The museum’s new downtown location will offer residents the opportunity to explore and learn about Santa Monica’s rich and diverse history in an exciting new cultural center. Please call (310) 395-2290 or visit www.santamonicahistory.org for more information.