Ed Fishwick and Mary Case tour the Smithsonian's Deep Time exhibit after visiting Striking Iron at the National Museum of African Art.
Young visitors were once welcomed to the children's room in the Smithsonian Castle with Aristotle's words: "Knowledge begins in wonder." Reading this, retired librarian Ed Fishwick mused that the Smithsonian may be the largest collection of rooms of wonder in the world.
"Yet, the Smithsonian is much more than a collection of objects and facts encompassing history, science, and art," says Ed. "Its value is in the caliber of research and instruction that inform them and the curiosity and delight that they spark. This sense of wonder is what leads me to support the Smithsonian."
A Chicago resident, Ed appreciates the Smithsonian's educational function, which in his experience is primarily embodied in its exhibitions. Thirty years ago, during a conference in Washington, D.C., Ed happened upon the National Museum of African Art and the FreerǀSackler.
"What was a chance encounter turned out to be love at first sight—and ultimately became a long-term relationship," says Ed. It was the first time that he had ever seen such a wide collection of African and Asian art in one place, and it made an immediate impact. "I always see something new, which builds anticipation for what is to come. It's a cumulative process—I continually discover new things that inform my understanding of old favorites."
Ed recommended two ongoing exhibitions, Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts and Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection Highlights, that showcase the National Museum of African Art's remarkable assemblage of forms, media, and meaning. Next door, the Sackler collection of bronzes remains a favorite.
"There is a door that separates African Art from the FreerǀSackler," he says. "When it's open, you can walk from Africa to Asia and back again—only at the Smithsonian."
In 2017, with retirement in sight for him and his wife, Mary Case, Ed established a gift in his will in support of the National Museum of African Art and the FreerǀSackler. "These museums have maintained my interest and wonder over the decades," he says. "The Smithsonian has been an important part of our lives, and in our own small way, we want to help it carry into the future."
Knowledge may begin in wonder, but it advances through inquiry, insight, and instruction. "The Smithsonian, through its research, collections, and exhibitions, teaches us about the world around us—its past, present, and future," asserts Ed. "And in learning more about those worlds, we also learn something about ourselves and our shared humanity."
A Gift for the Future
Your gift to the Smithsonian can make a lasting impact on our efforts to inform and inspire. Find out how you can make a difference with a gift in your will or trust by calling the Smithsonian Legacy Society line toll-free at 888-419-7584.