The N.C. Museum of History Foundation presented its first Philanthropy Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions by individuals and organizations, during a November 13 event at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh.

Julia Jones Daniels and Frank A. Daniels, Jr., of Raleigh received individual Philanthropy Awards, and the State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Foundation received the corporate Philanthropy Award.

“Our first award recipients truly exemplify some of the state’s finest representation of business and citizens who care about and share in preserving the rich history of the Old North State,” said Lyl MacLean Clinard, Chairman of the Museum of History Foundation.

Julia Jones Daniels and Frank A. Daniels Jr.

Julia Jones Daniels and Frank A. Daniels, Jr., of Raleigh received individual Philanthropy Awards.  Photo by Will and Deni McIntyre

For more than half a century, the generosity and leadership of the Daniels have greatly benefited the N.C. Museum of History. The couple’s financial gifts have helped open several exhibits, including The Story of North Carolina.

Julia, currently vice chairman of the foundation, is a founder of the Museum of History Associates, a statewide support group, and has held many leadership roles in the organization. Frank, an active Museum of History Associates member, served as president and publisher of the News & Observer Publishing Company for 25 years.

“The Danielses were instrumental in helping the museum complete The Story of North Carolina, a permanent exhibit that will educate future generations of visitors about our great state,” said Ken Howard, Museum Director. “In addition, Julia’s leadership in the Museum of History Associates and Museum of History Foundation has been key to the success of these support groups.”

State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation

The contributions of the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation began in 2007, when it funded all student tickets for the exhibit Mysteries of the Lost Colony and A New World: England’s First View of America from the British Museum. The exhibit featured original watercolor drawings made by John White in the 1580s. The SECU Foundation also provided funding in 2010 to build the SECU Education Center, a state-of-the-art learning facility for the museum’s educational programs.

The State Employees’ Credit Union’s contribution also enabled the museum to build a distance-learning studio, bringing history to classrooms across the state. Through live, two-way videoconference programs, students interact in real time with a museum educator. McKinley Wooten (center), Chairman of the State Employees’ Credit Union Board of Directors, accepted the corporate Philanthropy Award for SECU.

McKinley Wooten (center), Chairman of the State Employees’ Credit Union Board of Directors, who accepted the corporate Philanthropy Award, is shown with Lyl MacLean Clinard, Chairman of the Museum of History Foundation, and Ken Howard, Museum Director. Photo by N.C. Museum of History

The 2012 Philanthropy Awards were presented during Mount Rushmore Live: An Evening With the Presidents. During the event, four nationally renowned historical interpreters brought to life the leaders depicted on Mount Rushmore: Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.

Sponsors of the Philanthropy Awards and An Evening With the Presidents included Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, Capel Rugs, Catering Works, CE Rental, Chris and Bill Hamlin, N.C. Executive Mansion, N.C. Museum of History Associates, Kelly Odom Flowers and Interiors, N.C. State University Pipes and Drums, Raleigh Marriott City Center, Jean and Everette Sherrill, and Wayside Furniture.