John and Kimberly DeSalvio had their sights set on the future when they decided to make their beloved Smithsonian part of their legacy.
Some destinations can be done in a day, while others necessitate return visits. For John and Kimberly DeSalvio, the Smithsonian is the latter. For much of their lives, they resided in northern Virginia, which facilitated frequent trips. “We had easy access to the wonderful collections at the Smithsonian,” said John. “With guests, we always had to explain that it’s not just one museum—you really can’t see it all in two days. Actually, after spending more than 30 years in the area, we still haven’t seen everything.”
The DeSalvios chose to express their affinity and their appreciation for the experiences they have shared by establishing a bequest to equally benefit the National Zoo, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of American History. “From our perspective, no matter what you’re interested in, whether history, art, culture, or science, there is something for everyone,” John claimed. “The Smithsonian is truly a national treasure.”
John, who has always had a passion for history, aviation, and space exploration, said the museums complement and further inspire his interests. “It’s one thing to read about an object or an event in a book,” he explained, “but the Smithsonian gives you opportunities to put eyes on an object, bringing that interest to life.”
These tangible, hands-on learning experiences have made memorable impressions on them both. John recalled watching the SR-71 Blackbird break a record flying in from the West Coast, and they both took off work to witness the Space Shuttle Discovery arrive. “You don’t realize the enormity of it—the awe—until you see it parked at the Udvar-Hazy Center,” said Kimberly. As John is an avid cook, they toured the reproduction of Julia Child’s kitchen as soon as it opened. They also have fond memories of visiting the National Zoo and spending an “epic day” touring the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.
“When we went downtown, it was usually for something related to the Smithsonian,” recalled John. “Once we got down there, there was always something new and different to see.” From ancient dinosaur fossils to a clouded leopard litter, from Amelia Earhart’s historic plane to state-of-the-art spacesuits, from stately Presidential portraits to ornate First Ladies’ gowns, the DeSalvios found favorites everywhere they went.
“The Smithsonian’s museums are always changing, expanding, and revealing new facets of American history,” said Kimberly. “The Smithsonian continues to evolve,” John agreed, “so we want to support that and help others gain as much enjoyment there as we have. This gift is an opportunity to contribute to the Smithsonian’s mission so that future generations may also be inspired.”
The Smithsonian has meant so much to the DeSalvios over the three decades they have enjoyed it together, they decided to include three of their most loved places in their estate plan so future generations can benefit as they did. Contact the Office of Gift Planning at 888-419-7584 or legacy@si.edu if you feel similarly inspired to help bring the gifts of our museums, galleries, and research centers to more people, now and in the future.