John and Audrey Chiricotti

As members of our museum "family" at the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Inc., for almost 15 years, John and Audrey Chiricotti's commitment to our educational mission, their generous philanthropy, and their friendship with staff, board members, and our community of donors has grown and deepened over time.

After retiring to Williamsburg, they were introduced to our history museums through a friend and neighbor, and began giving annually in 2003. They have continued to donate proudly each year to support our educational mission through the Annual Fund, and now as members of the The 1607 Society.

They have since enjoyed many receptions, special events, and programs hosted at the museum. Audrey fondly remembers attending a reception of school teachers after the conclusion of the Foundation's Summer Teacher Institute, and John elatedly recalls the Foundation's trip to celebrate Bermuda's 400th anniversary in 2009 as a time when he developed friendships that endure to this day.

In 2009, the couple decided to include the Foundation, Inc., in their estate plans, ensuring that their love of history and education would be passed on to future generations. Their gift supports an education endowment fund that continues to strengthen the Foundation's two museums and its education programs today and for many years to come.

"One of our greatest gratifications is to leave a legacy benefitting an organization in which we so firmly believe. Such are our feelings towards the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. We believe that educating our teachers and youth is fundamental to the mission of JYF. Their mission is more relevant today than ever, and we are pleased that our endowment gift will help ensure the continuation of these programs. We would encourage others to support the Foundation, Inc., whose work is so critical to preserving our nation's history."