Build a lasting legacy for POLIN Museum

"I wish to donate my work to the Jewish Museum to be founded in the future."

— Gela Seksztajn, Warsaw Ghetto, 1942

Dear Friends,

In 1942, artist Gela Seksztajn wrote these words in her last will and testament, entrusting her life's work to a Jewish museum that did not yet exist. More than seventy years later, that vision became a reality in POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Today, we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to ensure that her dream will continue to inspire generations to come.

 For many years, friends of POLIN Museum have supported one of the world's leading museums of Jewish history. Thanks to your generosity, POLIN Museum has become an internationally recognized center for education, scholarship, dialogue, and remembrance.

August is National Make-A-Will Month, a timely reminder that one of the most meaningful ways to care for the people and causes you cherish is by creating or updating your estate plan.

 Today, we invite you to consider including American Friends of POLIN Museum in your will or estate. Legacy gifts will help build the endowment that American Friends is establishing in the United States as an enduring source of support to secure POLIN Museum's future. 

 A legacy gift may take many forms. You may choose to leave a specific bequest, designate American Friends as a beneficiary of retirement assets or a life insurance policy, or establish a named endowed fund that reflects your family's values and interests. If you would like to discuss legacy giving or learn more about the different ways to make a planned gift, please feel free to contact us. We would be honored to work with you to create a lasting tribute that is meaningful to you and your loved ones. 

 If you have already included American Friends of POLIN Museum in your estate plans, we would be grateful if you would let us know. It would be our privilege to thank you personally and to recognize your commitment in a manner that reflects your wishes.

Every generation has the opportunity to decide what it will leave behind. Let’s ensure that an institution that educates, commemorates, and strengthens communities endures long after we are gone. Let’s ensure that the story of Polish Jews – and the values it represents – will continue to inspire future generations.

With warm regards,

Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett
Ronald S. Lauder Chief Curator of the Core Exhibition, POLIN Museum