Helen A. (Susie) Titus and Jim Donahue
Sturbridge M.A. – Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) has announced the largest single gift received in the museum’s history with a five-million-dollar unrestricted bequest from the estate of Honorary Trustee and long-time friend of the Village, Helen A. (Susie) Titus of Newport Beach, CA. Susie passed away in 2020 after a short illness.
This incredible gift comes at a critical time as the museum celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Old Sturbridge Village over the next eighteen months. The Village plans to use this gift as the cornerstone of a planned capital campaign. The gift will ensure living history continues at Old Sturbridge Village in the future, and address capital needs on the campus, including the preservation of historic buildings and landscape.
“I am grateful to Susie Titus for her dedication and commitment to Old Sturbridge Village, and for her confidence in our Board and staff to steward such a significant gift in her memory" said Jim Donahue, President and CEO. “Susie was incredibly supportive of the museum over the past twenty years, and we are grateful that she made such a generous provision for the Village in her estate planning. Susie’s legacy and impact will live on for generations to come.”
Old Sturbridge Village has seen tremendous growth over the past several years. In 2017 the Village opened Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School, which now has over 280 students. These students attend from a wide range of communities throughout central Massachusetts. In January of 2020, Old Sturbridge Village announced a management partnership with Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol, Rhode Island. This partnership saw a successful first year in spite of the unprecedented times of COVID 19. As Old Sturbridge Village begins its 75th anniversary year, the Village is positioned to have continued growth and innovative programming that will keep visitors engaged for many years to come.
###
