Delaware Museum of Natural History2009 Annual Report

A t the Delaware MuseuM of Natural History, 2009 was a year of partnerships. We

created exciting collaborations with corporations, foundations, schools, non-profits, and other organizations that share our enthusiasm for nature and science. By doing so, staff and trustees maximized available resources in a difficult economic climate while furthering our mission to excite and inform people about the natural world through exploration and discovery.

The results exceeded our expectations. When we needed manpower for special events, college and high school students brought more creativity and energy than we could

have imagined – while also meeting their own community service requirements. When we looked to broaden our educational offerings, the PNC Foundation generously provided a large grant to help teach underprivileged preschoolers about science. When we sought to expand our popular Wine & Dinosaurs fund raiser, more sponsors and volunteers than ever joined the cause. Cross-pollinating examples of symbiotic relationships such as these fill the pages of this annual report.

Attendance exceeded 88,000 visitors, an all-time high and 20 percent increase over 2008. We are extremely grateful for the commitment

and ingenuity of our community partners in making that possible. Each and every collaborator, donor, and volunteer made a difference in actualizing our mission. Following are highlights from the Museum’s numerous activities in 2009.

mission:vision:

purpose:

To excite and inform people about the natural world through exploration and discovery.

One where all parents and teachers in the region consider the Delaware Museum of Natural History as an essential element in every child’s development.

To help develop a caring society that respects and values our planet.

Nina L.S. Burnaford President, Board of Trustees

Halsey Spruance Executive Director

Cover: Tiny specks of pollen cover a hibiscus bee sitting on a crimson-eyed rose mallow, which is commonly found in Delmarva wetlands. Photograph by Kevin Fleming, whose new book of nature photography titled Wild Delmarva will be published in November 2010.Opposite: Photo taken by Nasan Fluellen, a student at the Delaware College of Art and Design, of the Museum’s North Atlantic Sea Cliffs exhibit.

birthday boys and girls visited the Museum for engaging, educational fun. Each of these programs utilized specimens and expertise from the Museum’s scientific collections and staff.

The PNC Foundation helped the Education Division accomplish even more by awarding a generous $248,000 grant as part of Grow Up Great with Science, PNC’s initiative to foster a foundation in science for area preschoolers. The two-year grant helped Museum staff develop science curriculum, learning

kits, and special programming for early childhood education centers that serve low-income families. The partnering preschools were The Ministry of Caring Inc., Newark Day Nursery, New Castle County Head Start, and the Latin American Community Center. Museum experts helped teachers create activities for children to explore science with their senses and use simple tools to test their ideas. Museum educators trained preschool teachers to incorporate simple scientific observation and learning skills into language, mathematics, creative arts,

T he MuseuM’s eDucators joined forces with schools, teachers, and parents in 2009

to provide enriching opportunities for science-based learning both on-site and out in the community. More than 6,200 students visited the Museum on class trips and another 6,400 children experienced our outreach programs, which meet state science standards, in their classrooms on topics like “Wetland Wonders” and “Creepy Crawlies.” The Young Explorers program taught children ages 2 and up with hands-on activities, and scouts, homeschoolers, and

community service requirements while assisting with Museum activities, such as feeding animals, constructing nature-themed activities, and facilitating educational crafts with children. The new Discovery Corps was implemented for high school students who are specially trained to develop content and interact with the public at special events. The Delaware College for Art and Design incorporates community service into its freshman curriculum and committed to bringing groups of student volunteers several times per year. St. Georges Technical High

School followed suit by also providing volunteers on a regular basis.

Corporate contributions supported the Museum’s educational efforts in unique ways. Herr’s donated hundreds of bags of peanut-free potato chips as snacks for summer campers. AstraZeneca provided an abundance of supplies like disinfectant wipes and whiteboards to make day-to-day operations easier. These in-kind gifts were greatly appreciated by children and instructors throughout the year.

physical health, and emotional and social development. The Museum hosted Family Nights for the preschools and introduced three PNC Free Sunday Mornings to encourage families and the general public to visit the Museum during their own free time. Many of the activities received assistance from PNC employees as volunteers.

The Education Division augmented its volunteer network in 2009 by establishing ongoing arrangements with local high schools and colleges. Students were able to meet

Above: The Museum hosted more than 6,200 students for class tours in 2009 and taught thousands more children through outreach programs in schools.

Above: Preschoolers from The Ministry of Caring Child Care Programs visited the Museum for the first time as a group in April and participated in hands-on activities as part of a Grow Up Great With Science grant provided by the PNC Foundation.

education

T he Museum houses millions of shells, thousands of bird specimens, and hundreds

of mammals in the Collections and Research Division. This extensive scientific resource paired with the knowledge of our curatorial staff assists researchers worldwide in studying the planet’s vast diversity of species and informs the Museum’s educational programming and exhibits.

In 2009 the Museum published an authoritative new book about Bermuda mollusks that was a collaborative project more than 50

Above: Curator of Mollusks Liz Shea, Ph.D. reported back to the Museum via e-mail during her voyage at sea with updates about her research, which were then posted to the Museum’s Facebook page.

Above: From left, Director of Collections Jean Woods, Ph.D., Rebecca Dunne, and Kar De Geiso prepare bird specimens for storage, many of which are donated by Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research.

collections and research

years in the making between four researchers. Marine Mollusks of Bermuda: Checklist and Bibliography was founded on the work of Russell Jensen, who started gathering data during the mid-1940s. Later Jensen’s colleagues, J.R.H. “Jack” Lightbourn and Arthur Guest, collected many of the new records mentioned. Former Curator of Mollusks Tim Pearce, Ph.D., joined the effort in 1997, adding thousands of additional literature records and finishing the book after Jensen’s death. The Mollusk Department’s Liz Shea, Ph.D., and Leslie Skibinski assisted

than 100 species to the list of animals known to live there. The work focused on studying the food chain that supports a population of endangered northern bottlenose whales living in the Gully. Shortly after the trip, she journeyed to Vigo, Spain for the Cephalopod International Advisory Council conference. Out of this came a collaboration with researchers from South Africa and New Zealand to conduct a global systematic review of the squid family Brachioteuthis, determining which species live where and identifying their unique characteristics.

The Museum’s relationship with the University of Delaware evolved further in 2009. Executive Director Halsey Spruance joined the Advisory Council of the University of Delaware’s Sea Grant College, whose goal is to promote the wise use, conservation, and management of marine and coastal resources. Near the end of the year, Director of Collections Jean Woods, Ph.D., contacted the university’s Office of Service Learning in what led to a project management course helping to upgrade the library’s organization system. In addition, Jean continued her role as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Delaware College of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Jean also coordinated the Bird Department’s participation in research projects and various public events. She continued her annual field studies with the Delaware Shorebird Project and the Delaware Breeding Bird Atlas to help track bird populations. Jean served on the local committee that planned the annual American Ornithologists’ Union meeting in Philadelphia. She managed donations of bird specimens from Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research. The Museum hosted a Shorebird Identification Workshop in April, marking the first partnership with the Delaware

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to sponsor such an event. Specimens were loaned to the Delaware Historical Society for its special exhibit Whales, Weirs, and Waterfowl, and the venues cross-promoted exhibits to each other’s memberships while the Museum displayed Deep Sea Treasures over the summer. A seal, horseshoe crab, and other specimens from the Museum’s collections were incorporated into an exhibit about climate change at the New Jersey State Museum.

with the final edits to bring the book to completion. The publication includes all modern and fossil species from the islands, a history of mollusk collecting in Bermuda, and Bermuda literature references for each species.

Liz’s involvement in the malacology community resulted in other additional scientific endeavors in 2009. For the third time she joined a research excursion to the Gully Marine Protected Area off the coast of Nova Scotia with an international scientific team that sampled waters 2,400 meters deep, adding more

mantis. Deep Sea Treasures, from the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa, Florida, explored the depths of the ocean during the summer months to expose the strange sea life and technical challenges of oceanic exploration. A 40-foot-long crocodilian, discovered by University of Chicago paleontologist and National Geographic Society explorer-in-residence Paul Sereno, Ph.D., was the extraordinary focal point of The Science of SuperCroc, which gave a dynamic look at this dinosaur-eating beast.

SuperCroc was not the only extinct creature that appeared at the Museum in 2009. The mysterious Elephant Bird resurfaced thanks to local artist Ilianna Teixido, who recreated the 10-foot-tall bird based on images, historical descriptions, and consultations with Curator of Birds Jean Woods, Ph.D. The original painting was installed opposite the display case housing a massive Elephant Bird egg. Ilianna previously contributed the vivid insect mural hanging near the Museum’s entrance to the African Watering Hole.

T raveling exhibits, enhanced permanent displays, and engaging special events

provided many opportunities for collaboration in 2009 and continually gave visitors reason to return.

The DuPont Company continued its generous, longstanding sponsorship of special exhibits that change at the Museum three times per year. Visitors imagined the world from a bug’s eye view at Backyard Monsters, which featured giant, animatronic insects including a scorpion, carpenter ants, and a praying

families. The display incorporated a local connection courtesy of materials provided by the Delaware Historical Society: a reproduction of a letter between Darwin and Wilmington botanist William H. Canby.

Presenting sponsorships helped bring back two longtime favorite events at the Museum. Bank of America returned as the lead sponsor of Dino Days, in addition to providing general operating support and the Museum’s participation in Museums on Us. Artisans’ Bank sponsored the 10th annual August Dollar Tuesdays,

with attendance totaling a remarkable 4,735 visitors.

Two organizations were new partners at special events in 2009. Exelon Power joined the Museum’s family of corporate sponsors by underwriting African-American Champions of Nature on January 19. Later in the year, educators from Longwood Gardens attended Spring Into Nature to teach visitors about pollination, and Museum staff reciprocated by participating in Longwood’s OrKid Days.

In celebration of Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species, the Museum created a new permanent exhibit about Darwin’s life and the theory of evolution. The exhibit was created thanks to generous support from the Crystal Trust, a partner in the Museum’s progress for many years. The new cases, specimens, and information panels were unveiled at Darwin’s 200th Birthday Party in February, with educators explaining components of evolutionary theory with fun activities and games for

Above: The Science of SuperCroc explored the world of this 40-foot-long crocodilian unearthed by University of Chicago paleontologist Paul Sereno, Ph.D.

Above: Kevin and Kolton Urbanski learned why tortoises with longer necks had an evolutionary advantage at Darwin’s 200th Birthday Party in February.

exhibits and events

G enerating public awareness and support can often lead to new opportunities

for partnership. Communications and development initiatives in 2009 increased the Museum’s visibility while welcoming new visitors, members, and benefactors.

The third annual Wine & Dinosaurs exemplified the team effort needed to hold a successful – and fun – fundraising event. A dedicated group of volunteers formed the planning committee, gathering silent auction donations, coordinating beverage vendors, and securing sponsorships. Wilmington Trust took the lead as presenting sponsor, returning partners continued their commitments, and new sponsors came on board such as Toscana Catering, Proctor Heyman, United Distributors, and Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited. Volunteers including the Wilmington Jaycees assisted staff on the day of the event and a record net profit of $39,000 was raised, more than double the 2008 event.

development and communications

A significant capital improvement took place at the Museum thanks to a generous corporate contribution: Richards Paving partially donated services and materials to completely resurface the driveway and parking lot. The refurbished blacktop improved storm drainage and the overall appearance of the grounds.

The Museum joined the Delaware Tourism Office’s new Geocaching Trail in September along with 25 other attractions around the state. Utilizing GPS devices, geocaching enthusiasts logged onto the office’s website, found coordinates for participating sites, and tracked down caches in all three counties to earn a special coin. The activity encouraged exploration of Delaware’s historical and cultural treasures and participants

recorded dozens of entries on the Museum’s online geocaching log.

Other unconventional partnerships helped extend the Museum’s reach in 2009. The Brandywine Valley Open House, implemented by the Brandywine Museums and Gardens Alliance, offered free admission on January 10 and attracted record one-day attendance and substantial media coverage. Museum staff explored opportunities for collaboration with the incipient Delaware Children’s Museum and agreed to furnish a weekly “critter cart” with live animals and specimens. The newly created Speakers Bureau conducted free presentations to local audiences on various topics, from “Prehistoric Delaware” to an overview of the Museum.

Above: Kama and Gregory Levendis enjoy the third annual Wine & Dinosaurs festival.

Mr. & Mrs. William S. BernardMr. & Mrs. Robert K. Beste, Jr.Mrs. John BiggsMr. & Mrs. Bill BlackMs. Maggie BrokawMs. Linda BronsonMr. & Mrs. Jeffrey BrooksMr. & Mrs. Robert BrownMr. & Mrs. John BurnsMrs. Ann C. CampbellMs. Anne P. CanbyMr. & Mrs. R.R.M. Carpenter, IIIMr. R.R.M. Carpenter, IVDr. & Mrs. Albert F. ChadwickMr. Richard T. ChristopherMr. & Mrs. Thomas A. CiconteMs. Carole N. ClarkeMr. & Mrs. Joseph A. ClementHon. & Mrs. Charles L. CopelandMr. & Mrs. David CravenMr. & Mrs. Brock E. CzeschinDr. & Mrs. Vincent DanielsMr. & Mrs. Harold A. DavisMr. & Mrs. Robert R. DavisMr. & Mrs. Matthew DayMr. & Mrs. Mark de GarbolewskiMs. Laura de RamelMr. & Mrs. Bernard S. DempseyMr. Scott DightMr. & Mrs. Arthur G. DiverMr. & Mrs. Richard L. DiverMr. & Mrs. James DonahueMr. & Mrs. F. Michael Donohue, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. John DoughertyMr. Graham DoughertyMr. & Mrs. Charles F. du PontMr. & Mrs. Edward B. du PontMr. & Mrs. E. Bradford du Pont, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Joseph DucaAudrey E. Evans, M.D.Drs. Matthew & Heather FaganMr. & Mrs. Paul A. FarrMr. & Mrs. James FeldmannMr. & Mrs. Esteban FerrerDr. Mark FissMs. Nelle FortenberryDr. Steven FurykMrs. Gloria GambleMr. & Mrs. Michael Ginzberg

$100,000 and abovePNC Foundation

$50,000-$99,999DuPont Company

$25,000-$49,999Bank of AmericaCrystal TrustAmanda K. Konyk, Esq. & FamilyEllice & Rose McDonald Foundation Inc.

$10,000-$24,999Borkee-Hagley Foundation FundMr. & Mrs. Howard P. BrokawBrokaw FoundationChichester duPont FoundationState of DelawareFair Play FoundationMarmot FoundationMr. & Mrs. Philip B. Weymouth, Jr.Wilmington Trust

$5,000-$9,999 Mrs. Alison K. BradfordMs. Nina L.S. BurnafordMrs. Carol M. Clement-HarrisonCrestlea FoundationRohm and Haas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow ChemicalMr. and Mrs. William H. Spence

$1,000-$4,999 Artisans’ Bank Ms. Cindy Bertrando & Mr. Bob WilliamsMr. Richard Buchanan AIA & Dr. Cynthia BuchananMrs. George P. Bissell, Jr.Chubb & SonCompass Point Research & TradingMr. & Mrs. Lammot Copeland, Jr.Corroon FoundationCover & RossiterDelaware Community FoundationMr. & Mrs. Thomas DearloveMr. & Mrs. Ford B. Draper, IIIMr. Henry B. du Pont, IVEderic FoundationMr. & Mrs. Charles M. ElsonExelon Power

Mrs. Nancy G. FrederickMrs. Jane Scott GarnettMr. & Mrs. Geoffrey HalfpennyMr. & Mrs. David T. HarringtonMr. & Mrs. Pierre du Pont HaywardMr. & Mrs. Stephen E. HerrmannMr. & Mrs. Scott InglisMr. & Mrs. Gregory A. InskipMs. Carol KitchellMr. & Mrs. Lewis C. Ledyard, IIIMr. John R.H. LightbournMs. Meagan NaceNuclear Electric Insurance Ltd.Ms. Beth PeckProctor Heyman LLPMr. & Mrs. George J. SaxonMr. Harlan ScottMr. & Mrs. Joseph Setting, IIMr. & Mrs. Wilfred B. SherkMr. A. R. Singer, Jr.Mr. Robert J. Smith, Jr.Mr. W. Halsey Spruance, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. James W. Stewart, IIIMr. & Mrs. Saul J. SwartoutTMC Investment Co.Mr. Henry T. TopelTri-State Waste SolutionsValero, Delaware City RefineryMr. & Mrs. Brock VintonWeymouth, Swayze & Corroon Insurance, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Timothy B. WeymouthMr. & Mrs. William D. ZantzingerAnonymous (2)

$250-$999 Mrs. Constance G. AlexanderMr. & Mrs. Robert S. ApplebyArcher & Buchanan Architecture Ltd.James E. & Constance L. Bell FoundationMr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Belk, IIIMrs. Robert H. BollingMr. Eric Brinsfield & Dr. Martha L.W. BrinsfieldMrs. Henry I. Brown, IIIMr. & Mrs. John J. BurchenalCypress Capital

Ms. Donna J. CleaverMr. & Mrs. Howard E. Cosgrove, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Bill D’AlonzoMr. & Mrs. John DanzeisenMr. & Mrs. J. Simpson Dean, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Ford B. Draper, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Bruce EssickMs. Heather Richards EvansHon. & Mrs. Thomas B. Evans, Jr.Mr. Thomas B. Evans, IIIMr. & Mrs. Richard FaccioloMr. & Mrs. Peter H. FlintMs. Traci FriessFriess Associates of Delaware LLCMr. & Mrs. William G. GahaganMr. & Mrs. David Hamilton & FamilyMr. & Mrs. William J. HaubertMr. & Mrs. Kurt HeymanMr. & Mrs. George HobbsIFSDr. & Mrs. Anthony Jay JulisMr. & Mrs. Richard L. KimballMr. & Mrs. William LaffertyDr. & Mrs. Freeman MillerPeninsula United Methodist HomesDr. & Mrs. Mark S. PfaffMr. & Mrs. Robert PyleMr. & Mrs. Robert H. RichardsMr. & Mrs. John E. RiegelMr. & Mrs. Charles W. Robertson, Jr.Ms. Susan RossMs. Virginia F. SchiavelliMrs. Harold S. SchuttMs. Sara Lu SchwartzDr. Elizabeth Shea & Mr. Dennis SheaMr. David D. ShieldsMr. & Mrs. W. Halsey Spruance, Sr.Dr. Winston J. WayneMr. & Mrs. Douglas WennyWilmington Flower Market, Inc.Anonymous (2)

$100-$249 Mr. & Ms. Ari D. AbelAdvanced Networking Inc.Ms. Martha AndersonMr. & Mrs. Edward G. AugustineBank of America Charitable FoundationMr. & Mrs. Matthew Bartkowski

2009 Honor Roll of Donors

Mr. & Mrs. Harry GlazeMr. Tony GonzalezDr. & Mrs. Brad GrayGreenville BPMr. Matthew HallMr. & Mrs. Richard P.S. HannumMs. Susan HarkerMr. & Mrs. Michael HarkinsMr. & Mrs. André HarveyMr. John C. HawkinsMr. & Mrs. Bill HaydenMr. & Mrs. Nicholas HeestersMr. Louis G. Hering & FamilyMr. & Mrs. John A. HerdegMr. & Mrs. Carl E. HertrichMr. & Mrs. Bryan HitchMr. David Homer & Ms. Hannah Galantino-HomerMr. & Mrs. Damon HostinMr. & Mrs. A. Brynn HouseMs. Alice B. HupfelMr. and Mrs. Samuel I. HylandMr. Al Iacocca & Dr. Mary IacoccaMr. & Mrs. Ned JacksonMs. Paula Janssen & Mr. Gregory GreeneMr. & Mrs. Andrew JeffersonMr. & Mrs. Elliott JenningsJersey Cape Shell ClubMr. & Mrs. Thomas JohnsonDr. & Mrs. Eric JohnsonMr. & Mrs. Chris JuddMr. & Mrs. Benjamin KeenanMr. & Mrs. Bernard J. KelleyMr. & Mrs. David Kelley & FamilyMr. & Mrs. Morton KimmelMr. & Mrs. Trevor KoenigMr. & Mrs. John KoontzMr. & Mrs. Steven KortanekMr. & Mrs. Gregory LadnerMr. & Mrs. David Larned, Jr.Ms. Elizabeth LatorreMr. & Mrs. Gregory LevendisMr. Ronald LockhartDr. & Mrs. Garrett B. Lyons, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Paul MaguireMr. & Mrs. William S. MalanyMr. & Mrs. John R. Malloy Mrs. Eleanor MaroneyMr. & Mrs. Whit MaroneyMr. Robert MartinelliMr. James McFadden MarvelMr. & Mrs. David MarvinMr. & Mrs. Philip MarvilMr. & Mrs. Thomas Mason Mr. J.S. McBrideMrs. Alan McClellandMrs. Emily B. McCoy

Mr. & Mrs. Matthew McDonaldMs. Cindy MedeirosDr. & Mrs. Benjamin MessmoreMr. Eric MhaikiMr. & Mrs. Mark MinutiMs. Katherine Monday-SchieveninMs. Lisabeth MooreDr. & Mrs. Bruce MorrisseyMrs. Christopher MoseleyMr. & Mrs. Edward MurphyMs. Lisa Ingham NalleyMr. & Mrs. Joseph NolanNorth Carolina Shell ClubMs. Ciara O’ConnellMrs. Ben M. OsbunMr. & Mrs. Keith PalmerMr. & Mrs. Christopher PattersonDrs. Douglas & Sarah PattersonMr. & Mrs. Ralph E. Pearce, Jr.Mr. Chip Pfleegor & Ms. Anne FosterMr. & Mrs. Andrew PodolskyMr. & Mrs. John F. PorterMr. & Mrs. Michael ProscenoMr. & Mrs. Taylor RaifordMr. & Mrs. Robert A. Ramsdell, Jr.Miss Gabrielle ReichertReynolds Rencourt Foundation, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. RietanoMs. Celia M. RossMr. & Mrs. Dennis RoyerMr. & Mrs. Alan SalewskiMr. & Mrs. Keith SalterMr. Charles SavidgeMs. Hester SaxonMr. Erling D. SchmidtMr. Michael T. SchubertMr. & Mrs. Charles P. Schutt, Jr.Mrs. Leah K. ScottMr. & Mrs. Chris SimonMr. & Mrs. Ron SmithsonDr. & Mrs. Richard SmithMr. & Mrs. G. Stevenson Smith, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. P.M. Snyder, Jr.Mrs. Elizabeth W. SnyderDrs. David Solacoff & M. Lynne du PontMr. & Mrs. Bill SpikerMr. & Mrs. Jacob V. SpruanceMrs. Sydney C. SpruanceMr. & Mrs. William C. Spruance, IVMr. & Mrs. John StipeMr. Alfred Taylor, IIMs. Susan TeiserMr. & Mrs. Avrim Topel

Mr. & Mrs. Philip Trainer, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Donald A. VassalloMr. & Mrs. Peter VeithMrs. Ellen R. VidenMr. & Mrs. F. Grier Wakefield, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Michael A. WaltersMr. & Mrs. Willis Weldin, IIMr. & Mrs. Peter WellsMr. & Mrs. William WilsonMr. & Mrs. Peter WillardMr. Keith WoodMr. Carlos Yuste & Ms. Martha KirbyAnonymous

Gifts In Kind & Donated ServicesAllstate ElectricAstraZenecaBedford Institute of Oceanography, Fisheries & Oceans CanadaThe Brandywine ZooMrs. Johnathan BryanCameras, Etc.Delaware State University Cooperative Extension ServiceDelaware TodayMs. Nancy DeLongMs. Connie GeorgovMs. Margie HaganHerr Foods, Inc.Mr. Ray HollowayMr. Richard I. JohnstonMr. Dale E. KaukeinenLantana Veterinary HospitalMr. Harry LeeLongwood GardensMr. Rex E. MarshMcClafferty PrintingMrs. Mary Jane McGinnisMs. Tonyea MeadMr. Don Miller, Miller’s FossilsOut & AboutPat’s Pizzeria, Lancaster PikePet VillagePhiladelphia ZooPNC BankPony ExpressRecycling AngelsMs. Terri ReedMr. Bruce SaundersStroud Water Research CenterMr. & Mrs. Saul SwartoutMs. Marian SysakToscana CateringTwin Lakes BreweryMr. James J. WilliamsWJBR

Donations of SpecimensMs. Ginny AbramsMr. Donald A. AltmaierMs. Diane AtkersonMr. Ken BassMr. Joe BirminghamMr. Howard BrokawMr. David CampbellMr. James ChiappardiMr. Jason DavisI.A. DavidDelaware Natural Heritage Program, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental ControlDelaware Shorebird ProjectMs. Roxanne DubinWillam H. Duncan, M.D.Ms. Mary Eckman Ms. Lora EnglehartMs. Jane FrelickMs. Deborah GilesMs. Patricia L. GoodmanMs. Helen GriffithMs. Margie HaganDr. Julie Hagelin, Swarthmore CollegeMr. Geoff HalfpennyMr. Gilbert L. JohnstonMs. Natalie JonesMr. Joseph R. JulianMr. Dale E. KaukeinenMs. Sharon LynnMr. James S. MaloneyMr. Frank MarenghiMs. Sally O’ByrneMs. Virginia OgleMr. Richard E. PooleMs. Jennifer ReynoldsMr. Frank RohrbacherMr. Roland RothMrs. Harold SchuttMs. Joanne SkibinskiMs. Leslie SkibinskiMr. Bill StewartMr. Robert StrahornMr. Charlie SturmMs. Marian SysakMr. Dave ThompsonMs. Gail TrainerTri-State Bird Rescue & ResearchMr. Michael WagnerMr. Mike WeaverDr. Jean L. WoodsMs. Karen Zeitler

2009 Honor Roll of Donors (continued)TrusteesNina L.S. Burnaford, President William Z. Zantzinger, Vice President Cindy Bertrando, TreasurerRichard D. Buchanan, AIA, Secretary Carol M. Clement-HarrisonCatherine Dearlove, Esq. Paige C. DraperScott InglisGregory A. Inskip, Esq.

Amanda K. Konyk, Esq.Meagan NaceBeth PeckMaria PfefferSusan D. SherkWilliam H. SpenceTimothy B. WeymouthJudi WilsonLife TrusteePhilip B. Weymouth, Jr., CPCU

Honorary TrusteesAlison K. BradfordHoward P. BrokawF. Phillips WilliamsonAdvisorsCharles M. ElsonSusan A. HerrmannGeorge J. SaxonWilfred B. Sherk

AdministrationJudy Julis, ControllerTerri Reed, Director of Human Resources Susan Ritter, Administrative Assistant* Halsey Spruance, Executive Director

Collections and ResearchLiz Shea, Ph.D., Curator of Mollusks Leslie Skibinski, Collections Manager of MollusksJean Woods, Ph.D., Director of Collections/Curator of Birds

Communications Teresa Messmore, Director of Communications

DevelopmentKathy Kunkel, Membership Manager Dawn Swartout, Director of Development

Education and Public ProgrammingKyle Cantarera, Tour Guide*

Diane Danzeisen, Tour Guide*Kar DeGeiso, Tour Guide*Valerie Eckert, Tour Guide*Bev Hallahan, Tour Guide*Paula Holloway, Director of Education and Public ProgrammingSam Holloway, Tour Guide*Denise Johnson, Tour Guide*Maureen Lanshe, Tour Guide*Zoe Longenecker-Wright, Tour Guide*Lori McIntyre, Tour Guide*Julius Meisel, Tour Guide*Donald Miller, Tour Guide*Mariah Romaninsky, Tour and Outreach Program CoordinatorJulie Steinhauer, Education Programs Facilitator Eleanor Thomas, Tour Guide*Lauren Vitelli, Community Programs Coordinator

Exhibits and Graphics Gary Bloomer, Director of Exhibits and Graphic Design Alan Peoples, Exhibits Coordinator

Facility OperationsGary Green, Maintenance Assistant Chris Hayden, Facilities Manager Bob Smith, Maintenance Assistant *

Visitor Services Carol Burris, Visitor Services Assistant* James Chiappardi, Visitor Services Assistant* Ron Dawson, Visitor Services Assistant*Elizabeth Green, Visitor Services AssistantAnn Perry, Visitor Services Assistant* Robert Rainey, Visitor Services Assistant*Ted Reese, Lead Visitor Services AssistantSharon Reitz, Assistant Store Manager

Trustees, Staff, and Volunteers as of December 31, 2009

*Part-time employees

Museum Volunteers Mollie Armstrong Constance Bell Frieda Berry Alison K. Bradford Ken Case Al ChadwickAnna Mae CimpermanBetty CraryAnita DauphinRebecca DunneRosemary GinzbergCatrien GoldsworthyLes GrossEdie GuthrieHannah HaskellLucille HerberMary HerkesJean HockenburyDale KaukeinenMartha KaukeinenEdward LauginigerGretchen MercerKaren O’DonnellEvan O’HaraLinda OrrSunrut PatelEric PoadBona Purse

Celia RossGinny SchiavelliSara Lu SchwartzBobbee VernonLinda VorheesCarol WelchDan WelchEb WilliamsFlorence WilliamsRachel BurtonCraig KendroCarol LuttrellMarc Pereira

Wine & Dinosaurs Volunteers Betsy BlackDonna CleaverLaura CrozierChrissy DonahueCal DriscollKurt HeymanKelly HowardJessica JanesJoan KimballDenise LearySteve LewisLarry MaguireMarian Maguire

Gigi McDonaldBeth PeckShirley PoseyDavid RaughleyWayne RutmanBrian SakiewiczSylvia SaveryScott SayersDawn SchumakerDenise SpenceHarry SwartoutSaul SwartoutLaurie ThackrahLaura TheierBeth Wells

Summer Interns, Collections & Research Roxanne DubinJohn FueslerJessica GarberNatalie JonesWalter KonykCelia LaskowskiPhilip Monihan

Student Volunteers Ryan KirkCarrie Putscher

Schuyler SwartoutSteven Hicks

Discovery Corps Mark BarberaBecca HollowayKathy HuangSabrina KalmanLaura KleinJosh KuzoZoe Longenecker-WrightBethany Siehl

Delaware College of Art and Design VolunteersIsaac AndersonSierra BarkleyKasheem BlackMegan BrownKyle BunkAntonio Calzada-CharmaValerie CianfaroElizabeth ColliflowerGarrett CrispinDack DrozdowiczNasan FluellenChanel GloverJordan GochenaurHarlan Johnson

Chia Lynn KwaAlex LattanziAri MagenMax MattheusDmytro MinekovJason NorvellWilliam ParkerSarah PatrickOscar RegaldoHannah RichardsonElizabeth RoseDominic RussoMarissa ScaleroDavid SpencerBrandi StotlemyerAlyssa SubolefskyCaleb TrotterTrevor VelezKristen WilliamsErica WinneAlex Wyatt

St. Georges Technical School Volunteers Andre BrownErica JonesGina Pierce

2009 2008

Assets $ $

Cash and Cash Equivalents 35,076 17,532

Accounts Receivable 4,972 3,126

Contributions Receivable Net 6,348 19,426

Inventories 14,178 21,840

Prepaid Expenses 103,177 118,282

Investments 16,405,662 14,181,962

Cash Designated for Specific Purposes 292,748 295,288

Property and Equipment Net 7,262,148 7,536,617

Total Assets 24,124,309 22,194,073

Liabilities and Net Assets

Liabilities

Accounts Payable 26,283 25,003

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities 110,891 37,779

Total Liabilities 137,174 62,782

Net Assets

Unrestricted 23,866,675 21,956,917

Temporarily Restricted 120,460 174,374

Total Net Assets 23,987,135 22,131,291

Total Liabilities and Net Assets 24,124,309 22,194,073

2009 2008

Operating Revenue and Other Support $ $

Investment Income 933,084 974,944

Contributions and Grants 449,936 463,830

Admissions 398,707 347,009

Sale of Donated Assets 0 0

Museum Store 104,571 103,414

Membership 116,451 104,290

Miscellaneous 19,198 31,850

Total Revenue and Support 2,021,947 2,025,337

Operating Expenses

Program Services:

Exhibits 422,263 401,131

Collections and Research 390,639 396,712

Education 341,128 303,805

Marketing 172,038 181,723

Auxiliary Services 5,902 8,554

Total Program Services 1,331,970 1,291,925

Support Services:

General and Administrative 370,880 396,646

Museum Store 160,310 199,425

Maintenance 345,218 363,306

Fundraising and Membership 187,429 199,280

Total Support Services 1,063,837 1,158,657

Total Operating Expenses 2,395,807 2,450,582

Change in Net Assets from Operations (373,860) (425,245)

Investment Performance Net of Draw 2,287,971 (5,385,483)

Gain on Sale of Fixed Assets 0 1,240

Due to (from) operating - in transit draw (58,267) 58,267

Change in Net Assets 1,855,844 (5,751,221)

Net Assets at Beginning of Year 22,131,291 27,882,512

Net Assets at End of Year 23,987,135 22,131,291

The Delaware Museum of Natural History, Inc. is a tax-exempt charitable organization as defined by Sections 501 (c)(3) and 170 (b)(1)(A) (vi) of the Internal Revenue Code. Copies of this Annual Report are available to the public free of charge upon request to the Director of Communications. Complete financial statements and independent auditor’s report may be obtained from the Controller.

finances Statement of financial position for years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008

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This publication was made possible through a generous grant by the Davenport Family Foundation.

© DMNh, 2010.

4840 Kennett Pike Wilmington DE 19807

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