Maie Bartlett Heard implemented the vision that she and her husband Dwight would share their collections with the public by opening a formal museum in 1929. From the beginning, Maie played an active role in the Heard Museum, working as its director and occasionally serving as curator, maintenance person and guide. Museum programs focused on education, storytelling, a speakers bureau and school tours.

When Maie Heard died on March 14, 1951, she left behind the very first legacy gift: the museum itself and the collections that she and Dwight so enjoyed. We are honored to continue their legacy in perpetuity through the Maie Bartlett Heard Society.

The prestigious Maie Bartlett Heard Society is open to individuals who designate the Heard Museum as a beneficiary in their will or trust and to those who create a charitable gift annuity or other planned or endowment gift to the Heard Museum. All members of the Maie Bartlett Heard Society will be invited to an annual event at the museum and will be recognized on the Heard Museum Maie Bartlett Heard Society scrolling list in the museum lobby at Heard Museum Phoenix and Heard Museum North Scottsdale.

Like the museum’s founders, many loyal supporters of the Heard choose to honor the institution and enhance their communities with legacy gifts. Whether your intentions are to eliminate taxes, benefit from an increased income stream or make provisions for an organization that is meaningful to you in your estate plans, there is a gift to fit every objective.  

The Heard Museum invites you to become a member of the Maie Bartlett Heard Society.  If you have included or wish to include the Heard Museum in your will or estate plans, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement: 602.252.8840 x5542 so we can appropriately acknowledge your intentions and include you in the Maie Bartlett Heard Society.