Dr. Albert Del Negro and Patricia Crevy at the Annual Smithsonian Weekend (June 2023)
As the saying goes, beside every great man stands a great woman, and Albert Del Negro gives credit where it is due. “Joining the James Smithson Society was my wife’s idea,” he said, recalling that Patrisha Creevy was a Smithsonian member before him and then suggested increasing their annual support in 2002.
The couple’s deep connection to the Smithsonian, however, began decades before. “My first encounter with the Smithsonian was the Centennial exhibition in the Arts and Industries Building,” said Del Negro. “It was revelatory.” They often brought their young children to the museums on the National Mall and delighted in discoveries large and small. “The Smithsonian has a wonderful way of celebrating American history and heritage,” he said. “It is vital to our future and our understanding of who we are as a people to embrace this history.”
“Now our children are in their 50s, and Patrisha and I are still excited to go to see what’s new.” Recently they went to reopening of the west wing at the National Air and Space Museum. “I love the history of flight,” said Del Negro, who grew up learning WWII planes from his cousins. “The exhibitions highlight so many interesting things, from the first planes to plans to go to Mars. It’s breathtaking.”
The Smithsonian, with its vast collections and broad expertise related to history, science, and art, informs many of their interests, from their medical careers to their love of travel. Now retired, both began their medical careers in the D.C. area. Creevy attended George Washington School of Life Sciences and became a physician assistant in cardiology, and Del Negro earned his M.D. in cardiology from Georgetown University.
“The Smithsonian is first and foremost an educational institution,” said Del Negro, who especially enjoys the Food for Thought lectures, which the couple has sponsored for numerous seasons. “It’s important to talk with these staff experts about what they are studying. It enlightens us—it expands our appreciation of science and our understanding of the world.”
Nearly a decade ago, they established a bequest to support the Smithsonian’s future, notably its member programs, and they have since made annual contributions through their IRA. “That’s the commitment we made, and we have almost fulfilled that obligation,” he said, emphasizing that donating through IRA distributions enables them to give generously while saving on taxable income. “It’s a great option for many donors.” They plan to continue these gifts, in addition to their annual Smithson Society membership.
“When you live long enough, your life can cast a long arc over the history of your experience,” said Del Negro. “Our longevity speaks to our deeply held appreciation for the Smithsonian, its important work, and its global impact.”