Over 40 years ago, this museum was where our journey together began, and it has since been a sanctuary for our family, sparking imagination, fostering learning, and creating unforgettable memories. We are profoundly thankful for art's role in enriching our lives and the museum's commitment to cultivating an environment where art and science flourish.

The above picture is where we first met, a spring break trip with friends at the beach in the late 1980s.

For us art has been a huge part of our lives, almost like a trusted friend guiding us along the way. Cedric, who loved art so much that he studied it in college and now teaches it at the local university, has always found joy in sharing this passion with me.

We like to think that, maybe, we brushed shoulders in the museum long before we officially became a couple, lost in our own little worlds among the paintings. Once we started dating, those museum visits turned into our special thing. We'd find ourselves in front of a piece that caught our eye, spending the evening trying to unpack its story and admiring the skill behind it.

It was more than just looking at art; it was about sharing what we saw with each other, learning to see the world through each other's eyes. Those moments, surrounded by art, really helped make our bond stronger.

-Donna Samuels

One of our most cherished memories takes us back to a regular Saturday evening date at the museum, a tradition that had become our special way of celebrating our love for art and each other.

That evening, as we stood together admiring an Edgar Degas painting, captivated by the graceful movement of racing horses in a field, Donna shared her dream of one day having horses of our own. She spoke of wanting to see them run free, embodying the spirit of freedom and beauty captured in Degas's strokes.

It was in that moment, surrounded by the art that had so often been a backdrop to our growing love, that I made two promises: to one day make that dream of horses a reality and, more importantly, asking Donna to be my partner for life.

The museum, which had witnessed the unfolding of our relationship, became the setting for our most significant commitment to each other, making our bond even more special and rooted in the shared passions that brought us together.

-Cedric Samuels

After years of cherished visits and countless memories made within its walls, Donna and Cedric Samuels decided it was time to give back to the museum that had given them so much. Recognizing the importance of comfort and contemplation in appreciating art, they collaborated closely with the museum staff to select and purchase an artistic wooden bench.

This bench was not just any piece of furniture; it was carefully chosen to complement the ambiance of the post-impressionist gallery, positioned perfectly in front of a painting that held special significance for them both.

Donna and Cedric are immensely grateful to the museum staff for their guidance and assistance in making this contribution a reality, enhancing the experience of all who visit the gallery. This bench is a testament to their gratitude and commitment to the museum, inviting guests to pause, reflect, and find inspiration in the beauty surrounding them.

By engaging the link, explore additional benches available by the manufacturer, a great company in New York called From the Source.

In their heartfelt quest to give back to the museum that harbored their fondest memories, the Samuels embarked on a collaborative journey with the museum staff to place a specially chosen bench near a painting that resonated deeply with them, "Showing at Tattersalls" by Robert Polhill Bevan.

This painting captures the vibrant energy and elegance of horses being showcased at the famous Tattersalls auction, portrayed with Bevan's distinctive use of color and form that brings the scene to life.

The image of the horses, full of vitality and grace, spoke to Donna and Cedric's shared dream of one day having their horses running free and unbridled. Working with the museum to place the bench near this particular painting was a symbolic act, intertwining their aspirations with their contribution to the museum, offering visitors a place to sit and perhaps dream a little dream of their own amidst the beauty of art.

Over the years, Donna and Cedric Samuels turned their cherished dream into a reality by welcoming two beautiful horses, Copper and Tod, into their lives, now grazing peacefully on their property just outside the city.

The fulfillment of this long-held aspiration brings immense joy to Donna, who sees in Copper and Tod not just the realization of a dream but a living testament to the couple's shared journey and love for each other. Each moment spent with their horses, feeling the gentle nuzzle of Copper or hearing the soft whinny of Tod, evokes cherished memories of those evenings spent at the museum, seated on their bench in front of inspiring artworks.

These experiences—both in the quiet of nature with their horses and within the hallowed halls of the museum—have become intertwined, a source of continuous joy and a reminder of how far they've come together, from dreamers in front of a painting to guardians of their slice of paradise.

Here, their daughter, Cecilia, walks Tod out to pasture.

Every time our granddaughters, Elyse and Ayana, visit from out of state, we make it a point to spend a Saturday at the museum, just like we used to do on our dates years ago. It's not just about showing them the paintings and sculptures; it's about hoping they'll find the same joy and wonder in art that we have.

We wander through the exhibits, sharing stories about the pieces we love and discovering new ones together. We sincerely hope these little adventures will help them grow up to appreciate art's power to inspire quiet reflection, ignite the imagination, and spark creativity. Sharing these moments with Elyse and Ayana is our way of passing on a love for art that has meant so much to us, hoping it enriches their lives as much as it has ours.

The girls Elyse and Ayana, with their mother, Cecilia.

Looking back on our lives, filled with so many memories at the museum and touched by the incredible art we've met there, it's clear how much art has mirrored and shaped our journey. Every painting and every sculpture has added a layer of richness to our existence, teaching us to see the beauty in the everyday.

We feel so thankful for the museum's support and incredibly honored that there's a bench for us and every visitor to enjoy.

It's our deepest wish that this bench might spark a bit of curiosity and wonder in anyone who sits there, young or old, encouraging them to let art guide them to a life full of beauty and creativity. This bench, in a place so dear to us, symbolizes our hope to pass on the love for art that has profoundly impacted our lives.

-Donna and Cedric Samuels

Nestled in the city's heart, the City Museum stands as a beacon of cultural enrichment, blending the allure of art with the mysteries of natural history. Its expansive galleries and interactive exhibits invite visitors of all ages to journey through time and creativity.

From ancient artifacts that tell the tales of civilizations long past to contemporary art that challenges and inspires, coupled with awe-inspiring displays from the natural world, the museum offers a unique space for exploration and discovery. It's a place where the past and present converge, fostering a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the artistic and natural worlds.

The museum is profoundly thankful for the generosity of its donors and the continued support of its visitors, whose contributions ensure the legacy and vibrancy of this cherished institution within the community.

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