Carnegie Museum of Natural History

One of the Four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

November 29, 2016

Daniel and Carole Kamin Donate $5 Million to Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Gift will endow museum director’s position.

Daniel and Carole Kamin Donate $5 Million to Carnegie Museum of Natural HistoryPittsburgh philanthropists Daniel and Carole Kamin made a $5 million gift that will permanently endow Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s director position.

The gift will be given in installments over several years and will fund the museum director’s position currently held by Dr. Eric Dorfman, which will be renamed the Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Director of Carnegie Museum of Natural History to recognize the Kamins’ gift.

“Throughout the history of Carnegie Museums, generous support from donors like the Kamins enables our organization to thrive and grow into a far-reaching family of museums that plays a vital role in advancing art, science, and education,” said Dr. Jo Ellen Parker, President and CEO of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. “This specific gift celebrates the Kamins’ commitment to supporting our leadership team and the outstanding work of Carnegie Museum of Natural History.”

“We are pleased to be able to support an iconic and historic Pittsburgh institution,” said Carole Kamin. “We hope our contribution will continue the tradition of excellence exemplified by Dr. Dorfman, who is leading the museum in an exciting and positive direction.”

The Kamins have strong ties to Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Dan and Carole Kamin have been involved with the museums for a combined total of over 100 years. Carole is a long-time Carnegie Museum of Natural History board member. She is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Discoverers Club and a member of Carnegie Museum of Art’s Women’s Committee. She has worked as a buyer/manager for both the Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History gift shops, working at the Natural History store for over 20 years. Carole is currently the Chair of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History Merchandising Committee.

As the Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Director of Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Dr. Dorfman oversees research, exhibitions, and visitor experiences at the museum.

“The Kamins’ generosity comes not just in financial contributions, but their willingness to lend their time and expertise to the museum as well,” Dr. Dorfman said. “Their support is invaluable,and they continue to be great friends to the museum in many ways.”

Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, is among the top six natural history museums in the country. It maintains, preserves, and interprets an extraordinary collection of millions of objects and scientific specimens used to broaden understanding of evolution, conservation, and biodiversity. Carnegie Museum of Natural History generates new scientific knowledge, advances science literacy, and inspires visitors of all ages to become passionate about science, nature, and world cultures. More information is available by calling 412.622.3131 or by visiting the website, www.carnegiemnh.org.