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 Alliance 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 your 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

Nike Level $500 - $999

Diana Level $1,000 - $2,000

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

Nike Level $500 - $999
Diana Level $1,000 - $2,000
February 4, 2013

"Historic American Furniture Styles at the Nichols House Museum"

Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Nichols House Museum, 55 Mount Vernon Street, Boston

Elizabeth and Arthur Nichols and their daughter Rose appreciated fine American furniture, especially pieces they knew were produced in their beloved Boston. Their refined taste resulted in a collection of antiques that was both eclectic and personal. In this lecture, Nonie Gadsden will offer a primer on American furniture styles from the early 18th century through the early 20th century using the Nichols family collection as illustrations. Explore the range and depth of the Nichols House Museum furniture and learn more about the Nichols family in the process.

May 7, 2013

"Beacon Hill Style and Elegance"

Reception and Cocktail Party
Time: 6:00 p.m.

Sophistication and elegance are the hallmarks of Beacon Hill entertaining. Patrons are invited to a Reception at a Beacon Hill home, which delights in this time honored tradition.

Victorian soup bowl

Eleanore P. Gadsden Nonie Gadsden, Katharine Lane Weems Senior Curator of American Decorative Arts and Sculpture, at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, earned her B.A. from Yale University and her M.A. from the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture at the University of Delaware. She was also Royal Oak Scholar at the Attingham Summer School Program. Prior to her arrival at the MFA in 2004, she served as the Charles F. Hummel Fellow at the Chipstone Foundation (2000-2001), and the Associate Curator of Decorative Arts at the Milwaukee Art Museum (2001-2004).

Chinese sewing box

The Nichols House will soon embark on a two-year venture seeking the museum field's premier distinction—Accreditation. To achieve the American Alliance of Museums' accreditation status, the Nichols House must meet the high standards set for the management of a museum, including professional collection management and dedication to educational programming, as well as demonstration of strong leadership and community outreach and support. Our goal is to be recognized as one of the only 800 accredited museums across the country, but we need your help! Your support will help us continue our work as a Beacon Hill landmark, while also becoming a professional model for house museums across the nation. Thank you!

Carved elephant sculpture

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 death 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.