Touring galleries during the 26th Annual Luncheon of the Nathaniel Bowditch Society at PEM. Photo by David Tucker.

CONNECTED | Aug 28, 2026

How today’s visionaries help shape PEM’s future

Alicia Nichols

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What makes a museum endure? Is it the rare objects housed within its galleries, or the generations of people who bring those spaces to life? As Salem celebrates over 400 years of vibrant history, the answer becomes beautifully clear: a museum is sustained by the love, stories and foresight of its community.

August marks National Make a Will Month, a time dedicated to reflecting on the impact we leave behind. At PEM, this spirit of continuity is anchored by the Nathaniel Bowditch Society. Named for the self-taught astronomer and mathematician credited as the founder of modern maritime navigation, the society honors individuals who share a deep belief in PEM's purpose and the conviction that this museum should continue to inspire, educate and connect people for generations to come.

Touring galleries during the 26th Annual Luncheon of the Nathaniel Bowditch Society at PEM. Photo by David Tucker.

Charles Osgood, Portrait of Nathaniel Bowditch, 1835. Oil on canvas. Commissioned by the East India Marine Society, 1835. M370. Peabody Essex Museum. Photo by Photo Mark Sexon/PEM.

Much like Nathaniel Bowditch himself — who devoted his life to helping others navigate with clarity and confidence — our legacy donors look beyond the horizon to provide direction and possibility for PEM's future. This enduring commitment is rooted in creativity, curiosity and care for the community.

For many members, a legacy gift is a natural extension of a lifetime spent exploring the museum and making memories with the PEM community. The love of lifelong learning resonates beyond the museum walls.

This deep, local connection is perfectly captured by longtime Salem resident, Bowditch Society Member, and museum Advisor Jim Rose and his late wife, Julie. The museum was a central part of their shared life and a source of immense civic pride. As Jim recently reflected:

"PEM is the treasure of Salem. Whenever we have visitors, it is our first stop, as we are so proud to show it off to our friends. Everyone at PEM is so welcoming and we enjoy every chance we have to connect with curators and staff. It was important to us to join the Bowditch Society, as we both have lifelong family connections to PEM and we want to make it available for future generations to enjoy it as much as we have.”

Planned giving is deeply personal. It is a meaningful way to anchor a family’s values into the cultural fabric of Salem, ensuring the museum they love remains vibrant for years to come.

While estate planning is often associated with public recognition, many of our most impactful legacy commitments happen quietly behind the scenes. At PEM, members have the flexibility to direct their giving privately, choosing anonymity while still shaping the museum’s future.

Former PEM Curator Austen Barron Bailly, Marie Kroll Rose and her son Jim Rose at PEM in front of Rose’s grandfather’s 1933 portrait of the painter’s wife. Leon Kroll was a realist painter, muralist and art instructor who spent summers in Gloucester. Photo by Allison White/PEM.

A beautiful resolve is shaping this trend, particularly among a rising generation of younger professionals, creators and museum advocates who are stepping forward to join the Bowditch Society. They recognize that creating a lasting legacy is about intention and vision, allowing individuals to make a profound statement about what they value at any stage of life — with or without a public spotlight.

This forward thinking is beautifully illustrated by a young professional and former PEM staff member who recently joined the Bowditch Society. Having worked behind the scenes, this donor possesses a unique understanding of what it takes to protect art and culture for the long haul.

Choosing to share their perspective anonymously to encourage other young peers, they note:

“My time at PEM was a true growth experience for me personally and professionally. I feel too young to be thinking about my “legacy,” but when I had an opportunity to update my estate plans, including PEM was an easy decision so I can have a long-term impact on an institution and community that are deeply meaningful to me.”

Legacy planning is an active expression of purpose, and its impact is felt regardless of whether your name is listed on a wall. By formalizing a commitment privately today, younger anonymous members are helping to shape the museum's trajectory.

Whether motivated by decades of family visits or driven by a professional passion for cultural preservation, PEM’s Bowditch Society members are making a critical commitment to bring PEM safely into the future. Their planned gifts fund future exhibitions, help us care for our world-class collections and expand educational programming for all ages. This Make a Will Month and into the future, we invite you to think about the spaces that shape you, the stories that move you, and the legacy you want to leave behind.

Ready to explore your impact? Joining the Nathaniel Bowditch Society is a powerful way to support PEM. To learn more about how you can include PEM in your will, trust, DAF or retirement plan beneficiary designations, please contact our Planned Giving team at 978-542-1550, ext 3050 or nathaniel_bowditch_society@pem.org or visit the PEM legacy giving page.