Fredricka Hodge Crain had always been involved with the arts. Serving on the advisory council of the College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Austin and on the board for the Hillsboro Junior College School of Art, Fredricka was renowned as a community philanthropist with a love for art. A member of an extensive family with deep Houston roots, Fredricka took special interest in the Rienzi, the MFAH Center for European Decorative Arts, and knew the previous owners of the house well. As a Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, member and donor for over 40 years, Fredricka was a longtime supporter of the Museum and left a tremendous mark on Rienzi.

When Fredricka sadly passed away in 2009, she left behind a trust that remembered several beneficiaries during their lifetimes. After the trust was terminated in 2020, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, received the remainder of the trust assets to be added to the endowment fund for the Rienzi Collection, which Fredricka so dearly loved.

At the 2020 Annual Rienzi Society Dinner, Director Gary Tinterow announced that Fredricka's thoughtful bequest would create an endowment for the directorship of Rienzi. In honor of Fredricka, the position is now officially named The Fredricka H. Crain Chair of the Rienzi Collection, recognizing Fredricka's generosity, and her connection to Rienzi, in perpetuity.