Your Passion Can Become Your Legacy

Natural habitat preservation. Supporting the arts. A child's education.

Maybe your passion exists in the nimble fingers of a piano teacher who taught you the melody in music ... Or perhaps your passion remains in the trails you've explored with your grandchildren ... For Mina E. Newman White, her passion was found in the precision and creativity of quiltmaking. 

Mina E. Newman White, born in 1912, was an avid collector and creator of quilts.  Her interest in quilt making started during early childhood as she watched her grandmother and mother create their works of art.  As a 4-H participant, she tried her hands at needlework and quilting and quickly found a hobby that brought her great pleasure. 

Mina began making quilts in earnest in 1930 and through the years she attended many shows and traveled on numerous occasions to Amish Country where she could meet with others who shared her passion.  Over time, Mina's collection grew through her creation and her collecting.  As a way to share and help inspire others about the age-old practical art of quiltmaking, she held an exhibition of quiltmaking at the Springfield Museum of Art in 1988.      

When Mina E. Newman White passed away in November 2005, she left a gift to the Springfield Foundation to ensure that others can be inspired by the art just as she was inspired by her grandmother, mother and others who shared the love for quiltmaking.  Her gift created a permanent fund that will provide unrestricted annual income to the Springfield Museum of Art forever.  Mina understood the importance of the museum as a resource for those looking to explore and grow their artistic creativity.  For Mina E. Newman White, her hobby became a passion . . . one that she has passed on for generations to come. 

The truth is, passion exists where someone or something has made a difference in your life. Wherever your passion lies, make a difference in the lives of others. Endow your passion just like Mina E. Newman White has done.