FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 17, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Cody Hefner, (513) 608-5777, chefner@cincymuseum.org
Thomas Huenefeld gift jump starts future exhibit at Cincinnati Museum Center
Longtime donor leaves substantial gift to celebrate the region’s history of innovation
CINCINNATI – Thomas Huenefeld has made an impact on Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) for six decades. Now, with a substantial gift toward the upcoming Made in Cincinnati gallery, his impact will endure for future generations.
“We are forever grateful for Tom’s contributions that have helped create the museum and history collections we utilize today and are helping us build the museum of tomorrow,” said Elizabeth Pierce, president and CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. “His generous gift is the catalyst for a new exhibit that will instill a new generation with civic pride and joy for our regional history that Tom enthusiastically shared with others.”
Huenefeld, the well-known Cincinnati history advocate and banking industry leader, passed away in early 2020. His connection with CMC dates back nearly 60 years. His first gift was to the Cincinnati Historical Society in 1961, the predecessor to CMC’s Cincinnati History Museum and Cincinnati History Library and Archives. He later served on the Cincinnati History Advisory Board and became a lifetime Member of the Cincinnati Historical Society in 1961 and, in turn, CMC in 1991.
“A fourth-generation Cincinnatian, my dad always had a special place in his heart for Cincinnati, its history and Cincinnati Museum Center. He was glad to have an opportunity to help the museum spread the word and build enthusiasm,” said Amy Huenefeld Tyrrell. “His vision was for this exhibit to be an inspiration not only among the surrounding community, but also to others who visit Cincinnati Museum Center.”
Made in Cincinnati will celebrate the Greater Cincinnati region’s innovative spirit by highlighting the manufacturers, tinkerers, makers and industry leaders who powered Porkopolis, the Queen of the West and today’s modern tech hub. Among interactive object displays, detailed environments and personal narratives, guests will be able to prototype new inventions and assemble iconic pieces of the region’s manufacturing triumphs. In the gallery, guests will experiment with machine tools, chart a river course from factory to market or plant the seeds for our region’s next great innovation as the past inspires the future. Made in Cincinnati literally lets guests make history.
Design work on Made in Cincinnati will begin later this year with the gallery scheduled to open in 2022. CMC is hoping Huenefeld’s donation and spirit of giving will inspire other history advocates to make their own financial contribution to the gallery and history collections.
“Tom’s support is the building block for our efforts to fully fund, design and construct the Made in Cincinnati gallery that will showcase the evolution of innovation and manufacturing in our region,” said Scott Schuster, vice president of philanthropy at Cincinnati Museum Center. “We can’t thank Tom and his family enough for their commitment to the future of Cincinnati Museum Center and we hope others will share Tom’s passion for history and follow his example by supporting our campaign for the future.”
Those interested in donating can contact CMC at donate@cincymuseum.org.
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About Cincinnati Museum Center
Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) at Union Terminal is a nationally recognized institution and national historic landmark. Dedicated to sparking community dialogue, insight and inspiration, CMC was awarded the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in 2012. CMC is one of a select few museums in the nation with both of these honors, making it a unique asset and a vital community resource. Union Terminal has been voted the nation's 45th most important building by the American Institute of Architects. Organizations within CMC include the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children's Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater and Cincinnati History Library & Archives. Recognized by Forbes Traveler Magazine as the 17th most visited museum in the country, CMC welcomes more than 1.8 million visits annually. For more information, visit www.cincymuseum.org.