Lael Moe and Cathy Fennelly: Committed to Helping a Great Museum

As one of the founding fathers of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, naturalist Edwin Carter, once said, "A great city needs a great museum." But Lael Moe knows that for even great museums the work is never finished. Like living organisms, Lael suggests that "they must grow, evolve, and continuously improve to remain viable institutions. The Museum is committed to a better future, while being firmly rooted in the past."

As a volunteer, Lael is a guide for the Secrets of the Diorama tours. He delights in sharing his knowledge of the Museum and helping visitors see the wildlife dioramas through new eyes. After 10 years of service, Lael continues to be impressed by the diverse backgrounds of the 1,500-plus volunteers who work at the Museum. As a volunteer placement counselor, he interviews all sorts of people, ranging from retired, highly educated adults to extremely talented young people.

"When you give such individuals something useful to do, it's bound to turn out well," said Lael. "And being able to work with such outstanding professionals explains how the Museum has been able to maintain one of the largest volunteer groups at any museum anywhere."

But Lael and his wife, Cathy, agree that the Museum's most important contribution to our community is its commitment to science education. They are especially pleased when they bring their grandchildren to the Museum and watch how much they enjoy the hands-on activities and the exhibits. Lael enjoys seeing how scientific curiosity is encouraged in young children and their interests sparked in exciting and unexpected ways.

Both Lael and Cathy believe that experiences are more valuable than things, and they want to do their part to help make Museum experiences meaningful for everyone. By supporting the Museum through their will, they have found a way to express their commitment and ensure that their gift will benefit upcoming generations. As Lael said, "With our gift, Cathy and I can help continue the Museum's tradition of excellence."

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