Legacy | February 2026

Are You One of the Museum of New Mexico Foundation’s Secret Admirers?

Long-time supporters Jerri and Jeff Straight have always had a great interest in travel, art and collecting - especially folk art. Since they discovered the Museum of International Folk Art (MOIFA) over 20 years ago, they’ve been volunteers, docents, board members, co-chairs of events and recently became members of the Legacy Society by including MOIFA in their will.

“You don’t have to travel the globe to encounter the artistry and cultural traditions of people from more than 100 countries when we have the New Mexico Museums right here. The museums showcase centuries of evolving techniques used by artists to preserve and express cultural identity” say new Legacy Society members, Jerri and Jeff Straight.

The MNMF Legacy Society recognizes and honors those who have shown their long-term commitment by making a legacy gift to the Foundation and the cultural institutions we support. As a member, your gift will serve as an inspiration for others to do the same. Sharing your gift with us ensures that we can honor your intentions.

February is a good month to think about supporting what you love and value. If you have a passion for art, culture and education, you may consider including the Museum Foundation or one of the cultural institutions we support in your will or estate plans.

“We especially love the Girard Foundation Collection and want to ensure that it is preserved so that 50 years from now visitors can feel the same awe and wonder felt by visitors over the past 43 years.  We are particularly inspired by the museum’s educational programs, which encourage young people to step away from their screens and experience firsthand the creativity and traditions passed down through generations,” says Jerri.

Whether you’d like to announce your planned gift and inspire others, or just let us know quietly and remain anonymous, we’d love to know if you have included us in your estate plans so we can celebrate your special support and welcome you to our Legacy Society.

For more information about the MNMF Legacy Society or making a planned gift, please contact Laura Sullivan, Director of Planned Giving at laura@museumfoundation.org or 505.216.0829 or visit our website.

Photo credits

Top: Cousineau Studios.

Left: Cushion, ca. 1930, Iroquois, Niagara Falls, New York, fiber, 11 in. x 10 in. Museum of International Folk Art, Gift of the Girard Foundation Collection, A.1980.8.994.

Right: Mola cloth, 1960, Cuna, Comarca de San Blas, Panama, Central America, cotton, 16 x 19 3/16 x 4 7/16 in. Museum of International Folk Art, gift of the Girard Foundation Collection, A.1979.67.723V.