Annual Appeal
The Victorian Society raises critical funds each year through our Annual Appeal. The funds allow us to continue our mission of promoting, protecting, and preserving our nation’s amazing Victorian heritage. Please read our 2022 Annual Appeal below and consider making a donation.
I am excited to use the word “normal” to describe the past year at the Victorian Society. Two years after we paused our in-person events due to the global pandemic, we safely returned to doing what we do best – offering in-depth experiential programs led by distinguished scholars and professionals. Our Summer Schools in Newport, Chicago, and London brought together curious people from across the country to study and appreciate amazing art, architecture, and interior design, and our Study Tours in Denver and Cleveland provided participants the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of both cities through inspiring tours, great conversations, and amazing food. This is our “normal”, and we are happy to be back at it!
We have also remained focused on the programs that helped connect us through two years of physical distancing. Our magazine, Nineteenth Century, continues to provide thought-provoking articles on cultural and social history to our members and subscribing institutions (you can also now read every issue from the past decade on our website!) and our free online lecture series has better connected us to our members from across North America. These programs would not be possible without support from our amazing members, donors, and volunteers.
November is the time of year when we start thinking about our year-end contributions and I am hopeful that you will continue your support of the Victorian Society. A gift of any amount will empower us to continue the vital work of promoting, protecting, and preserving our nation’s heritage. I would like to thank you in advance for your generosity and participation, and extend our sincerest wishes for a wonderful holiday season!
Kind Regards,
Kevin Rose, Board President
Leave a Legacy
Leave a lasting legacy at the Victorian Society by including us in your will. Your gift will provide a significant long-lasting contribution to our education and preservation efforts, while at the same time providing tax benefits to your estate.
When you calculate the value of your estate, you may find that life insurance and/or retirement plan assets make up a large part. As you review your estate and financial plans, consider turning such assets into convenient, tax-wise ways to make charitable gifts.
Amounts remaining in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and other qualified pension fund accounts can be subject to double taxation at death. These assets may not only be included in your taxable estate, but heirs generally will also have to pay income tax on what remains after estate taxes have been paid. The result: Total taxes of 70% or more, with a very small percentage of the funds left to your loved ones. For this reason, you may want to consider using all or a portion of remaining pension funds at death to satisfy your charitable wishes.
Life insurance purchased to protect a spouse or children may no longer be needed for that purpose, yet it increases the size of a taxable estate. Consider adding “new life” to your insurance by making a charitable gift through your estate plan…in most cases it involves merely a change of beneficiary form. Check with your advisors. For additional information, please contact us at the National Office.