January–June 1947

THE UNIVERSITY MUSEUM UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA 33RD & SPRUCE STREETS, PHILADELPHIA

March 4, 1947Dear Mr. McFadden:

Thank you so much for your nice letter and for the magnificent additions to the Curium Fund. You have now exceeded your commitments for the 1946-47 fiscal year, which ends June thirtieth 1947, by one thousand dollars. Did you intend this extra one thousand to be used for the neolithic dig which project you first suggested in your letter of April nineteenth and toward which you offered to contribute 50% of the funds required up to $1500.00? You will see by my reply of June twenty-first that the Board postponed action on this matter, so I shall bring it up afresh at the next meeting which occurs within a few days. Since you are obviously in favour of it to use as a bargaining point, I am sure there will be no difficulty in obtaining the necessary approval.

In light of your generosity I feel hesitant to tell you, as you requested, what Museum projects we have on hand for which we are in need of support but they are many. The one which seems to me to be most vitally important is the reinstallation of some of our galleries. Unless material is exhibited in a way which tells a living story it is hopeless to expect enthusiastic response from our public and besides needing the response materially, we have a moral responsibility to present these objects so all may understand and benefit from understanding.

Then there is the work of the Educational Department which is so dynamic and which is so beautifully set forth by Miss Moore in the September Bulletin. And last, but by no means least, is the ever present problem of publication.

To me they all seem intensely valuable and any help in realizing them would add several stars to your already bespangled heavenly crown.

Forgive the delay in getting this off. My life is very much complicated by a desperately ill husband.

I shall write you again after the meeting.

Ever sincerely,

Handwritten: signature

Mrs. William S. Godfrey Acting Director

Mr. George H. McFadden Curium Excavations Episkopi Limassol D, Cyprus