Endowment in honor of late director Michael Duty will support museum internship efforts

Michael Duty in 2017
Image courtesy of Sarah Deregan and the Duty family

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024

INDIANAPOLIS – The family of the Eiteljorg Museum’s first executive director recently gave the museum $250,000 to start a memorial endowment that will fund internships for rising museum professionals at the Eiteljorg.

Michael Duty was the museum’s inaugural executive director. Hired by museum founder Harrison Eiteljorg in 1987, Duty served through the museum building’s construction and grand opening in 1989. He worked to conceptualize the museum and develop its professional standards, practices and public presence. Duty led the museum until 1994, then spent nearly another 30 years in the Western American art field, working with other institutions and organizations. A resident of Georgetown, Texas, Duty died there April 23 at age 72, surrounded by family.

His wife Laura Duty and daughter Brynne Duty recently made a memorial donation to the Eiteljorg to establish the Michael Duty Founding Director Endowment Fund for Internships to honor his life and passion for professional learning. This $250,000 gift will be invested with earnings used to fund the internships while preserving the principal. Proceeds will support paid internship opportunities at the Eiteljorg for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in the museum field — particularly in the curatorial and collections departments.

“We are tremendously grateful to the family of Michael Duty for this incredible gift  that will carry on his legacy,” Eiteljorg President and CEO Kathryn Haigh said. “Michael Duty’s role in establishing the Eiteljorg has made the museum what it is today: a renowned cultural institution. His impact is still felt in our public programs and exhibitions. By supporting efforts to train and shape the next generation of museum professionals, this gift means the Duty family’s dedication to the Eiteljorg has come full circle.”

With deep roots in Texas and a passion for Western American art, Michael Duty had previously directed two other museums — including the Rockwell Museum of Western Art in Corning, N.Y. — before joining the Eiteljorg. He co-founded Museums West, a collaborative network of American Western art and history museums across the U.S. and Canada. During his post-Eiteljorg career, Duty led historical societies in San Francisco and Dallas, ran a foundation, worked at an auction firm and was an art appraiser and consultant. A lecturer on Western art and history, Duty was the author of several books. According to his family, his role in establishing the Eiteljorg was his most significant professional accomplishment.

“He loved nothing more than developing exhibitions, displays, literature and programs that not only educate but provide opportunities for people to experience something that could be eye-opening and could expand their world,” Laura Duty stated. “We are happy knowing this gift supports future generations of museum professionals. Michael tried to give everybody a chance to grow. In my opinion, this gift is a continuation of that legacy.”

The Eiteljorg’s inaugural executive director Michael Duty, who served from 1987 to 1994, was remembered during Quest for the West® weekend, Sept. 6-7. From left to right, Eiteljorg President and CEO Kathryn Haigh, Michael’s wife Laura Duty, Michael’s daughter Brynne Duty, and Vice President for Advancement Jamie Simek, are seen here in the Western Art Galleries with the 1938 Maynard Dixon painting, No Trail.
Image courtesy of Brittany Erwin Photography

Laura and Brynne Duty attended the 19^th annual Eiteljorg Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale on Sept. 6-7. During a brief tribute ceremony, they addressed approximately 250 Quest guests in the audience, some of whom knew Michael Duty during the museum’s early years. By establishing the $250,000 gift as an endowment fund, the intention is that others inspired by Michael Duty will consider supporting professional learning experiences for students through making additional contributions to the fund.

“The endowment created by this gift will support paid internships, allowing the next generation of museum professionals to get firsthand experience working behind the scenes at the Eiteljorg while learning about art and cultural objects and furthering their professional development,” said Jamie Simek, Eiteljorg vice president for advancement. Anyone wishing to donate to the fund can go to this link on the museum’s website, Eiteljorg.org/give-and-join/donate/make-a-donation/, and add “Michael Duty Endowment” in the comments section. Donations also can be made by contacting jsimek@eiteljorg.org or 317.275.1365.

About the Eiteljorg
For 35 years, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of Indianapolis and scenic White River State Park. The Eiteljorg Museum explores the intersection of the arts, histories and cultures of the past and present by sharing the diverse stories of the American West and the Indigenous Peoples of North America. Located on the Central Canal at 500 West Washington St., the Eiteljorg is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

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