The Patrons' Program

Our challenge is the preservation of the historic house and the appropriate stewardship of the museum's fine collection of furnishings and artwork. Ongoing preservation efforts and proper collection management strongly encouraged by the American Association of Museums will increase the funding needs of our institution. We ask your participation in our Patrons' Program to assure the continued professional growth of the Nichols House Museum.

We look forward to another exciting year by presenting these special programs designed with you interests in mind. Your donation at the patron level provides essential operating funds for the Nichols House Museum.

Benefits of the Program

Becoming a patron will allow you access to these benefits:

  • One year's sponsor-level membership
  • Invitations to a special program of Patron lectures and receptions
  • 15% off gift shop purchases
  • Recognition in the Annual Report
  • Complimentary invitation to The Holiday Eggnog Party

Patrons' Giving Levels

Specific patron levels will allow you access to the following:

Nike Level $500 - $999

  • Tim Knox Lecture
  • Patrons' Reception/Cocktail Party
  • "A Day in Manhattan"

Diana Level $1,000 - $2,000

  • Tim Knox Lecture
  • Anne Poulet Lecture
  • Patrons' Reception/Cocktail Party
  • "A Day in Manhattan"

Patrons' Program Application

If you would like to become a patron, please complete the form below and submit your payment via PayPal. Please note that all fields are required.

Membership

Patron Levels

Young Patron $400 - $500 (For donors under 40)
Nike Level $500 - $999
Diana Level $1,000 - $2,000
October 25, 2011

"The British Ambassador's Residence in Paris"

Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: American Meteorological Society, 45 Beacon Street, Boston

The British Ambassador's Residence in Paris is one of the most splendid homes in the French capital. Tim Knox will tell the stirring story of the house, from its origins to its opulent heydey under Napoleon's sister, Pauline Bonaparte, Princess Borghese, much of whose luxurious furniture and decoration survies intact. Presented in collaboration with the Sir John Soane's Museum Foundation.

April 2, 2012

"The Frick Collection"

Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Nichols House Museum

Anne Poulet will speak about the Frick Collection, its founder, and the history of the construction of the house and the formation of an extraordinary collection that remains a highlight of the New York cultural scene.

May 12, 2012

"A Rare Glimpse into a Louisburg Square Apartment"

Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: 9 Louisburg Square

Patron members Sudie Schenck and Steve Goodwin will open their newly-renovated Louisburg Square condominium for a memorable spring evening.

June 12, 2012

"A Day in Manhattan"

Following Ann Poulet's lecture, a visit is planned for Patrons to see the Frick Collection in New York, thus experiencing first hand this world-class assembly of furniture and paintings. Patrons are also invited to see the collection of a private collector in Manhattan. This combination of events affords Patrons an opportunity to view a collection of the late nineteenth century and a collection of the early twenty-first century. A luncheon will be arranged.

Portrait of an 18th Century Lady

Tim Knox is the Director of Sir John Soane's Museum in London — one of the earliest of all house museums in the world. After studying at the Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London, he became Assistant Curator at the Royal Institute of British Architects Drawings Collection and in 1995 joined the National Trust as its Architectural Historian. He was appointed Head Curator of the National Trust in 2002. Since Mr. Knox was appointed Director of the Soane, he has striven to restore Sir John Soane's glittering architectural treasury to its appearance in 1837, just as its founder wished.

Anne Little Poulet has been director of The Frick COllection in New York City for the past eight years. For two decades she ran the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston's department of European Decorative Arts and Sculpture, of which she is currently Curator Emerita. She has received great recognition as a curator and author of the exhibition catalogue Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828): Sculptor of the Enlightenment, which opened in 2003 at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. In 2006 she was elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and was decorated as a Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture in 2007.

Chest of Drawers Matchbox/Cigar Box

In 1885 Dr. Arthur Nichols, his wife Elizabeth, and their three daughters established their family residence at what is now the Nichols House Museum. Their oldest daughter, Rose Standish Nichols, noted landscape designer, auther and social activist, became the sole owner of the property after her parents' death. Miss Nichols owned and cared for the house from 1933 until her deal in 1960. As specified in her will, the Nichols House has been open to the public as a museum since 1961. The house is a contributing resource to the Beacon Hill Historic District which was listed in 1966 as a National Historic Landmark.

Every effort has been made to maintain the house as it appeared in the early 1900s, a bustling period in Boston history, when Beacon Hill was home to many artists, writers, musicians, and social activists. Open year-round, the Nichols House Museum welcomes a growing number of international and domestic visitors. It provides an active schedule of educational lectures, programs, and special events for its membership and the community.