Fairfield, CT - Since its opening more than a decade ago, the Fairfield Museum has become one of southwestern Connecticut’s most dynamic and successful cultural organizations, welcoming more than 37,000 visitors and 6,000 students each year. To help ensure its ongoing success and long-term financial stability, the Museum has recently received a $1 million challenge donation from Southport resident John Herzog. That $1 million gift will be made if the Fairfield Museum raises an equal amount by December 31st, 2019.
“John Herzog’s tremendously generous challenge gives us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the Fairfield Museum’s exciting future. We have our work cut out for us to raise the matching $1 million, but I know we can do it,” noted Fairfield Museum Executive Director Michael Jehle
Once John Herzog’s $1 million challenge is met, the Fairfield Museum’s research library will be named “The Herzog Family Library” in recognition of his generous contribution. The Museum’s library is one of Connecticut’s most extensive state history libraries, holding more than 30,000 one-of-a-kind books and manuscripts dating as far back as the 17th century.
“My family and I have enjoyed the Fairfield Museum for years and it is a great asset to our community,” said John Herzog. “It is a privilege to contribute to their future success.”
To learn more about the Fairfield Museum’s $1 million Challenge, call 203-259-1598 or email: swiswell@fairfieldhs.org.
About John Herzog
John Herzog spent his business career at the brokerage company Herzog Heine Geduld, Inc., which was founded in 1926 by his father. John Herzog joined the firm in 1959 and spearheaded its expansion into the third-largest NASDAQ market maker in the country. He retired as Chairman Emeritus when Merrill Lynch acquired the firm in 2000. The book “A Billion to One” tells the fascinating history of that firm. Mr. Herzog is also formerly Chairman of R.M. Smythe & Co., Inc., one of the world’s premier auction houses, specializing in antique stocks and bonds, banknotes, coins, autographs and photographs. In 1988, Mr. Herzog founded the Museum of American Finance, donating part of his extensive collection of financial memorabilia to the Museum. A graduate of Cornell and New York University Stern School, Herzog is a former member of the NYU Stern School Board of Overseers; a Board member of the Fairfield Museum, and a member of the American Antiquarian Society, Grolier Club, Down Town Association and the Union League Club in New York. He is Honorary Chair of the Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society, and member of the board of the Pequot Library, Southport, CT. Mr. Herzog is also a Trustee Emeritus of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, Lynchburg, VA, and was a member of the board of regents of Long Island College Hospital. He is a holder of the Ellis Island Medal.
About the Fairfield Museum & History Center
The Fairfield Museum & History Center, located at 370 Beach Road, is open seven days a week, 10am-4pm. Members of the Museum and children under 5 are admitted free. For more information, call 203-259-1598 or visit Fairfieldhistory.org. The Fairfield Museum relies on funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Museum is especially grateful for leadership support from the State of Connecticut, Town of Fairfield and Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.