William R. Clark was a dedicated Trustee of the Frederic Remington Art Museum and an esteemed member of the museum’s International Advisory Board until his passing on April 18, 2013. His generosity in time, talent, and resources left a lasting impact on the museum. In a remarkable act of philanthropy, Bill bequeathed half of his IRA to the museum, significantly strengthening its endowment and ensuring long-term sustainability. Furthermore, he established an endowment with the Central New York Community Foundation, which provides an annual gift to the museum in perpetuity. Bill also donated his extensive collection of Remington books, enhancing the museum’s shop offerings.
Bill's passion for both Frederic Remington’s art and his love for horses and canoeing defined his deep connection with the museum. For years, he made special trips to Ogdensburg to visit the museum, where he would relish the opportunity to engage with Remington’s art. His personal interpretations of Remington’s works were a cherished experience for those who shared his visits.
To honor Bill’s extraordinary legacy, we are proud to name our legacy society after him—the William R. Clark Legacy Society. This society recognizes those who, like Bill, make planned gifts to the museum, ensuring its future for generations to come.
We invite you to join the William R. Clark Legacy Society and create your own legacy. By including the museum in your will, or naming it as a beneficiary of your investment accounts, retirement plans, or life insurance policies, you can make a lasting impact. Additionally, gifts of original Frederic Remington art will grant you membership in this distinguished society.
Your planned gift will not only honor Bill’s memory but will also play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Frederic Remington’s art for years to come. Join us in building a legacy that celebrates the art and passion we all cherish.
Join the William R. Clark Society
As you reflect on the milestones you’ve achieved in life, consider leaving an enduring imprint through a gift to the Frederic Remington Art Museum.
Leaving a gift to the Remington Museum in your will is a meaningful way to ensure that this important historic cultural resource continues to thrive for generations to come. The Museum is a vital part of our community, preserving the life and legacy of Frederic Remington, one of America’s most celebrated artists. By supporting the Museum, you are helping protect and strengthen an invaluable part of our cultural heritage, allowing future generations to experience the art and history that make our institution so special.
Your contribution will not only help maintain the Museum’s historic collections but will also allow us to modernize and enhance offerings. With your support, we can add new exhibits, host dynamic community events, and expand educational programs that engage people of all ages. A gift in your will ensures that the Museum continues to grow and evolve, offering fresh opportunities for discovery and learning while preserving the timeless art of Frederic Remington for the future. Your legacy will help keep the Museum strong, relevant, and accessible for years to come.
Giving Opportunities
Bequest
A gift by will or living trust. An outright bequest to the Museum is fully deductible for estate tax purposes. Bequests can take many forms, including:
- Gift of a specific dollar amount
- Specified assets including securities, or other personal property
- Remaining retirement account assets
- A residual bequest, where the Museum becomes a beneficiary after all other obligations are met
Below is sample wording for a simple unrestricted bequest:
“I give to The Frederic Remington Art Museum, 303 Washington Street, Ogdensburg, New York the sum of _____(dollar amount) or a percentage of ___% of the residue of my estate, to be used at the discretion of the Museum’.”
Charitable Remainder Trust
Individually created and managed trusts; one type provides a guaranteed fixed income; another provides a fluctuating yearly payment based on a percentage of the trust’s principal, as revalued annually.
Life Insurance
A gift of life insurance is a very practical way to make a substantial gift at a moderate cost.
1. You can make the Museum owner and beneficiary of your paid-up policy.
2. You can name the Museum as a percentage beneficiary of your policy.
IRA Charitable Rollover
Normally, a distribution from your IRA is taxed as ordinary income. However, if you are 70 1/2 years of age or older, you are eligible to make a direct gift from your IRA to the Remington Museum during any tax year. The tax-free transfer can count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).
You must transfer funds directly from your IRA administrator to the Museum (rollover).
Distributions can be made only from a traditional or Roth IRA. Retirement plans such as pensions and 401(k) or 403(b) plans must first be transferred to an IRA.
Transfers to donor-advised funds, supporting organizations, private foundations, charitable remainder trusts, and charitable gift annuities do not qualify.
