New Bedford Whaling Museum Receives $1.5 Million Gift

NEW BEDFORD -The New Bedford Whaling Museum has received a $1.5 million gift from Douglas and Cynthia Crocker.

The gift, the largest single commitment to the Museum’s endowment by individuals, will endow the museum’s chief curator position.

Art enthusiasts themselves, the Crockers say that they value the critical role museums play as active and thoughtful collectors and stewards of curatorial excellence.

They have life-long ties to Marion and are longstanding patrons and supporters of the museum, having been actively involved with the board of trustees and other advisory committees since 2009.

The Crockers said they have also been moved by the vision of the museum’s curatorial team, led by Dr. Christina Connett, whose title will now be “The Douglas and Cynthia Crocker Endowed Chair for the Chief Curator.”

Mr. Crocker is a retired real estate investment professional and currently serves as Chairman of DC partners, a real estate investment and development firm.

Prior to her retirement, Mrs. Crocker served as Senior Vice President for Investor Relations and Corporate Communications for Equity Group Investments in Chicago.