As many of you know, the American Textile History Museum (ATHM) was successful in raising $1 million to match a challenge grant made by an anonymous donor at the Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF). Our joy at reaching our goal on May 17, was soon tempered by the sad news that the donor had passed away on May 22. At that time we learned that the donor was Deborah S. Pulliam a noted textile artist, historian, writer and youngest of three children of the late Eugene S. Pulliam, former publisher of The Indianapolis Star and the Indianapolis News, and his wife, the former Jane Bleecker.
According to her many friends, Deb was a quiet and private person who was passionate about textiles especially knitting, needlework and spinning. She was obviously very supportive of the work and mission of ATHM and her donation and challenge was the catalyst that we needed to raise the funds to ensure our future.
Because of the generous response to this challenge by our supporters, we have raised $1 million for our endowment here at ATHM. Because of Ms. Pulliam’s generosity, there is now a $1 million ATHM Fund at MaineCF from which ATHM receives quarterly proceeds which help to support its exhibitions and programs. Both of these funds will continue to accept donations.
Since her passing, several of Ms. Pulliam’s friends have made donations directly to ATHM in her name. We have therefore set up the Deborah S. Pulliam Memorial Endowment Fund at ATHM. We are also making plans to remember Ms. Pulliam by naming a knitting display in her honor in the renovated Textiles in America exhibition.
The American Textile History Museum will always be grateful to Deborah Pulliam for her generosity and support, and we will continue to pay homage to her passion for textiles through our fund raising efforts, programs and exhibitions.
For additional information on the Deborah Pulliam Memorial Endowment Fund at ATHM please contact Linda Carpenter at 978-441-0400 ext. 241, or send a donation to ATHM, 491 Dutton Street, Lowell, MA 01854, with a notation for this fund.
For information on the ATHM Fund at MaineCF please contact Ellen Pope at 207-667-9735, or send a donation to the ATHM Fund at the Maine Community Foundation, 245 Main St. Ellsworth, Maine, 04605.
