Myrtle Wreath Society

"What you see on the walls is reflected in the people who work here and also in those who support us. Every single person in the city of Houston can come to the museum and find something that reflects their culture. I want to make sure that this museum is here for years and years to come."

—Merinda Watkins-Martin,
Myrtle Wreath Society Member

Formed in 2009 to honor friends who make plans for a legacy gift to benefit the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, Rienzi, or the Glassell School of Art, the Myrtle Wreath Society now numbers more than 350 members. Society members enjoy an invitation to the annual luncheon, exclusive programs, and recognition in selected publications.

As an expression of our gratitude, Myrtle Wreath Society members receive:

• Recognition in the annual report, on the MFAH website, and in selected publications
• Invitations to attend exclusive tours, cocktail parties, and the luncheon
• A personal contact at the MFAH through the Planned Giving office

Of the vast treasures in the MFAH collections, the exquisite Greek Myrtle Wreath, a gift of Miss Annette Finnegan in 1937, was carefully selected to represent the society and its members. In ancient Greece, victorious soldiers, athletes, and participants in festival processions wore wreaths fashioned from intertwined leaves. By the Hellenistic period (330—30 BC), the wreaths were made of gold foil; too fragile to be worn, they were created primarily to be buried with the dead as symbols of life's victories. This exquisite gold wreath embodies the past, present, and future victories of all involved in the MFAH and crowns the heroic friends of the Myrtle Wreath Society.

Let us know you have included us in your plans! No dues or fees are necessary to participate in the Myrtle Wreath Society, but there is an enrollment process. Details regarding your future gift are not required. To join, please contact Julia Smith at [email protected] or 713-353-1587 with any questions.