The Carnegie Museum of Natural History will use a $5 million gift from Pittsburgh philanthropists Daniel and Carole Kamin to permanently endow the museum director’s position.
The money will come in installments over several years, and the museum will rename the position the Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Director of Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
The director oversees research, exhibitions and visitor experiences at the Oakland museum, whose collection of artifacts is meant to broaden the public’s understanding of conversation, biodiversity and evolution.
“The Kamins’ generosity comes not just in financial contributions, but their willingness to lend their time and expertise to the museum as well,” said Eric Dorfman, the museum’s director. “Their support is invaluable, and they continue to be great friends to the museum in many ways.”
Carole Kamin is a longtime Carnegie Museum of Natural History board member and serves on its merchandizing committee. She has worked as a buyer and manager for both the Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History gift shops for more than 20 years.
“We are pleased to be able to support an iconic and historic Pittsburgh institution,” Carole Kamin said. “We hope our contribution will continue the tradition of excellence exemplified by Dr. Dorfman, who is leading the museum in an exciting and positive direction.”
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is one of four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. Named after Andrew Carnegie, the other collections include the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Science Center and The Andy Warhol Museum.
Tony Raap is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-320-7827 or traap@tribweb.com.