Founders' Council
Founders’ Council members are a group of uniquely inquisitive, adventurous, and generous Field Museum supporters who advance scientific discovery to help us better understand—and care for—the world we share.
Your Impact
Your annual leadership investment in the Field Museum fuels public learning, research, and conservation efforts in Chicago and around the world. You empower our scientists to conduct fieldwork in remote locations, translate research into action and cultural understanding, and share those discoveries with more than 1.5 million visitors each year. In return, we invite you closer to the work: to meet the people behind the research and exhibitions, and explore the 40 million objects and specimens in our collections in new ways.
Together, we are advancing knowledge, protecting our planet, and ensuring the Field Museum remains a source of wonder, learning, and inspiration for Chicago and beyond.
Join the Founders' Council
Founders’ Council donors gain exclusive access to the work of the Museum through conversations with experts, special programs, and one-of-a-kind experiences centered on our mission to connect all of us to the natural world and the human story.
Member: $2,500–$4,999
Enjoy all membership and Founders’ Council benefits, plus:
- Tailored communications, including our biweekly enews
- Invitations to exclusive exhibition previews and opening events with content experts
- All-access visits for groups of ten plus (10+) throughout the year
- Invitation for annual behind-the-scenes tour and reserved Bistro seating
- Access to the Founders’ Council Donor Lounge at Members’ Nights
- Exclusive Founders' Council events featuring Field Museum scientists and scholars, including exhibition previews and opening events
- Early access to educational programming, including Summer Camps, Day-Off Camps, and Dozin’ with the Dinos
- Invitation to attend and support our Annual Gala
- Access to Founders’ Council Travel Opportunities
- Concierge service from a dedicated staff liaison to enhance your Museum experience
Surveyor: $5,000–$9,999
All Founders' Council Member benefits, plus:
- Enjoy an invitation-only opportunity to assist Field Museum scientists as they unpack and document newly collected materials.
- Scientist-led behind-the-scenes or exhibition tour
Conservator: $10,000–$24,999
All Founders' Council Surveyor benefits, plus:
- One private lunch with a scientist or exhibitions expert
- Annual opportunity to reserve meeting or work space
- Invitation to exhibition preview or hard hat tour
Chairman's Circle: $25,000+
All Founders' Council Conservator benefits, plus:
- Invitation to meet with the Museum President and CEO and/or Museum leadership
- Invitation to select opportunities with our Board of Trustees and science communities
- Invitation to Field Forward Symposium
Concierge Service
Founders' Council members have access to an exclusive concierge line. Contact us at 312.665.7773 or founderscouncil@fieldmuseum.org for assistance coordinating tickets and building your visit itinerary for a day at the Museum.
Founders' Council Leadership Committee
The Founders' Council Leadership Committee is a volunteer advisory group of Founders’ Council leaders who drive the Museum’s impact through donor cultivation and a shared commitment to advancing scientific research, conservation, and public learning. We are grateful to the volunteers below for their leadership and vision.
Co-Chairs
- Jill M. Hutchison, Co-Chair
- John Podjasek, Co-Chair
- Euler Bropleh, Co-Chair
Leadership Committee
- Randy Barba
- Paul Chatalas
- Ricardo Chimal, Jr.
- Ying Hsu
- Molly Keller
- Brian Kelly
- Ryan Ruskin
- David Saunders
- Kevin Stineman
- Matt Taylor
- Ashley von Kluck
- Jordan von Kluck
- Christopher Whyde
- Colleen Yale
Questions?
As a Founders’ Council supporter you are ensuring the future of the Field Museum. Contact us at founderscouncil@fieldmuseum.org or 312.665.7773.