Brad and Jennifer Benn
“The Smithsonian’s charter is to spread knowledge, and that is important to me,” says Bradford Benn, who recently established a named endowment at the National Air and Space Museum to mark his 50th birthday. “Some call the Smithsonian the nation’s attic—I know it as the nation’s teacher. It’s about sharing knowledge beyond the walls of the institution, especially now during COVID-19.”
Bradford first visited the National Air and Space Museum during its opening month, in July 1976, at age 6. “It was the first time I had ever seen a building with a rocket and planes inside. It made my head spin to see so much cool stuff in one place,” he recalls. He returned to explore the Smithsonian during family visits, and later, during weekends in college.
“I like that none of the Smithsonian museums are static,” says Bradford. “They evolve and change exhibits and focus to capture what is new and represent diverse audiences. They are always changing for the better.”
Though Bradford and his wife, Jennifer, live in Orlando, Florida, they stay apprised of what is happening at the Smithsonian through timely podcasts like Sidedoor, regional member events, and Flight Jacket Night at the National Air and Space Museum. “I have heard talks from a 103-year-old Tuskegee Airman, a docent who flew the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, and one of the first female U.S. naval aviators,” he says. “These are the people who have made the history being told in our museums.” Bradford also enjoys meeting like-minded individuals who share his interest in the “long, arduous path to air and space exploration—its history, technology, and impact.”
Bradford’s endowment at the National Air and Space Museum supports digital media-based outreach and educational programs, which museums are increasingly using to reach and engage audiences. “Audiovisual technology is what I do for a living and how I could afford to make this gift,” he says. He has worked as a tester for the Museum’s virtual docent tour, which connects remote visitors to volunteer experts.
“One of the reasons I like to support the Smithsonian is that I have been treated well at every giving level,” says Bradford. His longtime support includes annual giving at several Smithsonian museums in addition to his endowment and bequest at the National Air and Space Museum. “My family taught me to give when I can,” says Bradford, who spent several years planning, saving, and packing brown bag lunches. “I decided to make my endowment gift now because I want to experience the impact of the gift and the joy it brings.”
Bradford contends there is always more to know and share. “I want to see my legacy and know I made things better. This Smithsonian gift will outlast me, and I will leave the world a little better than I found it.”
You can make a lasting impact on our efforts to inform and inspire. Find out how a gift to the Smithsonian creates future opportunities by contacting the Office of Gift Planning at 888-419-7584 or legacy@si.edu.