Hildegarde Howard Society

The Natural History Museums established the Hildegarde Howard Society to honor and recognize benefactors who have included the Museums in their estate plans.

Dr. Hildegarde Howard, one of the Museum's most famous paleontologists of the 20th century, began her long association with the Museums in 1921 as a curator of science. In 1953, she was the first woman to be awarded the American Ornithologists Union's prestigious Brewster Medal for her research in the field of avian paleontology, particularly for her work with the fossil birds of Rancho La Brea. In 1961, Dr. Howard retired from her position as chief curator of science and continued her involvement with the Museums as a volunteer through 1990.

Dr. Howard's legacy of scholarship and exploration is carried on through the gifts of the Hildegarde Howard Society. We are pleased to honor her memory with this important program.

The generosity of our Society members is recognized in the following ways:

• Acknowledgement on the glass Hildegarde Howard Society Donor Wall in the Grand Foyer and on our website
• Annual invitation to lunch with the president and director
• A Hildegarde Howard Society lapel pin

Please click here for online membership form.