Making History Our Legacy: Donors Larry and Sally Sears Reflect on What Our Museum Means to Them

What makes the Museum special? 

Sally: When I’m at the Museum, I see people from all walks of life. There’s something for everyone—activities, interactive exhibits, scientists at work, and even live animals. There’s so much to explore, and the Museum’s transformation is going to take this experience to the next level. 

Larry: The Museum is all about science and nature. It’s a place where anyone who has an interest in how the world works can feed their curiosity and learn something new. That’s one of the reasons that we brought our children here time and time again. 

How can the Museum help save curiosity? 

Sally: Humans are naturally curious creatures—especially children. Exploring science and nature appeals to that curiosity. The Museum is a fascinating place to visit because it checks that box and offers so many opportunities to get excited about the natural world.

Why is the Museum important for the community?

Sally: So much of what’s important in life relates to human health and the health of the planet. The Museum illuminates our connection with the natural world and how this relationship impacts our lives. 

For the academic community, the Museum is a nearby resource that can fill gaps in science education. Education is what the Museum has been about for the last hundred years.

Why do you support the Museum?

Sally: The Museum is important—and not just as a place to look at dinosaurs. It’s so much more than that. Our curators are conducting incredible scientific research, and visitors of all ages are gaining a deeper understanding of science through our education program. 

Also, the Museum has two unique living collections that set it apart from other natural history museums. The Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden—Presented by KeyBank houses more than 100 live animals, and our Natural Areas Program protects more than 12,000 acres of nature preserves across Northeast Ohio. And the Museum has a wonderful origin story, with education being its focus from the very beginning. There’s a lot to be proud of.

What is your history with the Museum?

Sally: We developed a relationship with the Museum when our children were young. We took advantage of everything the Museum had to offer, like special events and classes, and our children just loved it.

Larry: The Museum has been a wonderful conduit for education, so our relationship naturally progressed to supporting its future.

Why should others support the Museum?

Sally: Nature is at the very basis of everything—it inspires art, music, and more. People need it; it sustains us. Understanding how nature impacts us and how the world works is an essential part of life.

The Museum is especially a place for children. They are our future leaders. By giving to the Museum, you are supporting a future in which all of our community—and visitors from around the world—have a place to learn about science and the natural world. That experience can inspire the preservation of nature for future generations. 

Want to do your part? Give now to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.