ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The Ancient Spanish Monastery Foundation was created in 2011 as a separate non-profit organization with the mission "to generate funds for the preservation and maintenance of the historic building and gardens through a variety of art and cultural events with community involvement." The Foundation has a governing Board of Directors and an auxiliary Board of Trustees appointed from the community.
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The Foundation is listed a non-profit 501(c) (3) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law and the Foundation's financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services.
OUR MISSION
The Foundation's mission is "to generate funds for the preservation and maintenance of the historic building and gardens through a variety of art and cultural events with community involvement."
We bring together community supporters, individuals, businesses, and organizations to support the conservation of art, antiquities, and architecture of the Ancient Spanish Monastery and its grounds.
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EDUCATIONAL TOURS
The Foundation works with local educators to enhance classroom study of the Middle Ages. Educational tours offer students of all ages the opportunity for a rich visual experience and are an interesting way to explore the "oldest building in the western hemisphere." Students gain knowledge and expand their horizons. Last year, the Museum served over 800 public, private, charter, and home school children.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Each year the Foundation hosts several fundraising events such as the Legacy Gala, Jazz at the Monastery, and as part of the community outreach program a series of high-quality concerts to enhance the cultural arts environments of our communities. All proceeds from fundraising events are used to support the Museum, its gardens, artifacts, collections, and grounds.
MEET
THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES
Dr. Gregory Mansfield
Museum Curator, CEO
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Trustees
George Neary
Nancy Ellen Kempton
Elsa Benedict
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Board of Directors
Marjorie Dean, President
Alan Rifkin, Vice President
Linda Stiglianese, Secretary / Treasurer
Gordon Williams
Donnette LaRoche
Trinette Zarran
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MESSAGE FROM THE CURATOR
A Message from the CEO & Chairman of the Board
The Ancient Spanish Monastery has served as a museum for 63 years and continues to attract visitors from all over the world. Many are acquainted with the religious use of the building as a home to medieval monks in northern Spain. Others are simply spurred by their curiosity about life in the Middle Ages, the Knights Templar, or European history. For others, it is the draw of this 12th century building which encompasses both Romanesque and pre-Gothic architecture. For others, it is the park-like atmosphere and tranquility found in our gardens … now a certified National Wildlife Habitat.™ We are working hard to improve our visitors’ overall experience. Currently, the Museum serves over 50,000 visitors each year of which 65% are from out-of-town. Last year, The Ancient Spanish Monastery served nearly 900 public, private, and home school children. I am indebted to Dr. Daniel Markarian who is developing a curriculum for teachers that will make 100% of our educational programming tied to Florida standards.
All of this requires funds, but we receive no public funding from the government or private funding from churches, universities, or foundations. Therefore, we rely on the generosity of individual contributions and on revenue from visitors.
Your presence and your contributions help to safeguard that future generations will continue to enjoy and to learn from this unique site. We are pleased to be a part of Miami’s ‘Museum Month’ alongside other Dade County historical sites such as Vizcaya, the Venetian Pool, and the Deering Estate.
In 2014, we became a Blue Star Museum™ and now welcome active military and their families at no charge. Also, in 2014 we became a member of the American Alliance of Museums and are committed to best practices in conservation and preservation standards. Thank you for helping us “Preserve the Legacy.”
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Dr. Gregory Mansfield
Museum Curator
