Support the Museum Today!

Founded in 1984, the Cahoon Museum was created as a cultural resource for the community with a broad mission of promoting education and enjoyment of art. Donations are tax deductible; the museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, EIN 04-2802203

The Annual Fund is Cahoon Museum’s fund for general operating support.
Please note that donations are separate from membership dues.

Dear Friends and Members,

The Cahoon Museum is a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to experience beauty, creativity, and connection. We’re not just presenting art – we’re building community. In 2024, that spirit of connection fueled meaningful growth across every part of the museum – on the walls, in our programs, and behind the scenes.

Over the course of the year, we presented ten exhibitions, from cutting-edge contemporary installations to thoughtful presentations of historic art. Joe Cunningham: Quilts for These Times and Small Quilts: Big Stories resonated deeply with audiences, and the bold and joyful public art installation, The Quilted Cahoon, literally wrapped the museum in inspiration. Visitors called these shows “eye-opening,” “vibrant,” and “the best art I’ve ever seen.”

We continued to grow our audience, strengthen community partnerships, and create engaging programs. We also strengthened our capacity, welcoming a new Curator and Development Manager to the team – two key hires that will shape our future growth in exhibitions and fundraising.

Much of this year’s progress happened behind the scenes. We completed a comprehensive Museum Master Plan – a thoughtful, year-long process that clarified our priorities and laid out a vision for the museum’s future. At the same time, a transformative gift from deeply committed donors allowed us to pay off the mortgage on our newly acquired property.

Their extraordinary philanthropy allowed us to move into the future with confidence and momentum.

In the fall, we welcomed a follow-up visit as part of the American Alliance of Museums’ assessment program. The assessor described the Cahoon as “a museum on the rise,” noting strong leadership, clear strategic direction, and a high level of professionalism. These affirming words reflect that the Cahoon Museum has grown into a respected and celebrated cultural leader on Cape Cod.

Thank you for being part of this journey. As a community-supported museum, everything we do – from educational programs to inspiring exhibitions – is made possible through your involvement, your support, and your belief in our mission. Together, we are growing a cultural resource for our community. I hope you feel proud of what we’ve accomplished – and as excited as I am for what’s ahead!

I am grateful to you for your continued support.

Thank you!
Sarah Johnson, PhD
Executive Director & CEO

All donors are listed in the Thankful annual report.

Sarah Johnson

Giving to the endowment is a gift for the future and will allow the museum to fulfill its mission of being an exception place for local and regional art for years to come.

Please help us in ensuring the stage is set for the Cahoon museum to continue to build toward becoming the center for arts and arts education on Cape Cod and beyond.

Planned Giving – Cahoon Museum Anchors

We invite you to learn more about Cahoon Museum Anchors, a recognition society for those who help to secure the Museum’s future with a planned gift. When you add the Cahoon Museum to your estate plan, you are making a lasting and permanent difference for the Museum and the community.

Cahoon Museum Anchors and their families gain financial and tax benefits. Anchors are those who have included the Museum in their estate plans, made bequests, or made deferred gifts to benefit the Museum. The Museum also welcomes gifts of stock and securities. Gifts of securities provide a charitable deduction, and if the gift is made with appreciated securities, you will incur no capital gains tax.

Click here to view sample will language.

Cahoon Museum Anchors: A Legacy of Support

In 2006, Founders Keith and Rosemary Rapp donated the historic Crocker home and surrounding land to the Cahoon Museum of American Art so that the Museum would always have a permanent home. The Cahoon Museum Anchors recognize this transformational gift and honor those who have made bequests, included the Cahoon Museum in their estate plans, or made deferred gifts to benefit the Museum into the future.

CAHOON MUSEUM ANCHORS
Jean and Jay Entwistle
Rosemary and Keith Rapp
Gretchen Reilly
Estate of Robert Dudley Harrington, Jr.
Estate of Lucille V. Morse Mancinelli

For more information about planned giving and the Cahoon Museum Anchors, please contact Sarah Johnson, Executive Director at (508) 428-7581 or sjohnson@cahoonmuseum.org.

“As a Cahoon Museum volunteer and board member, I see first-hand the important work being done here to support local and regional artists, and it’s inspiring. The innovative exhibits and educational programs are an asset to Cape Cod,” said Jean Entwistle, a volunteer at the Cahoon Museum of American Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and at the Asia Society in New York City.

The Museum is vibrant and growing, and that comes with a cost. Being part of the Anchors program and knowing that I make a difference is important to me. The Museum has brought me joy, and I can help that wonderful spark continue.”

Cahoon Museum Anchor – Jean Entwistle

Matching Gifts

Your employer may have a Matching Gift Program, so be sure to check with your Human Resources department. It is an easy way to make your gift go even further! Contact Sarah Johnson for more information, 508-428-7581, x1.

Gifts of Stocks and Securities

The Museum welcomes gifts of stock and securities, which make an immediate impact for you and the Museum. Gifts of securities provide a charitable deduction, and if the gift is made with appreciated securities, you will incur no capital gains tax.
Click here for more information and instructions.

If you would like to make a contribution through a wire transfer, please let us know before you
initiate a gift so we can promptly thank you for your generous donation.

ABA #: 211371078
Account Name: Cahoon Museum of American Art
Account Address: 4676 Falmouth Road, P.O. Box 1853, Cotuit, MA 02635
Account Number: 862020732
Bank Name: The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank
Bank Address: 1500 Iyannough Road, Hyannis, MA 02601

Please call or email at the time of transfer to:
Sarah Johnson
Phone: (508) 428-7581 x1
Email: sjohnson@cahoonmuseum.org