The American Folk Art Museum recently announced that longtime patrons Kendra and Allan Daniel have pledged a bequest of $1 million in support of future acquisitions of traditional American folk art. This transformative gift will significantly enhance the museums collection and future exhibitions organized by the museum. This bequest initiates Kendra and Allan Daniel into the American Folk Art Museums Legacy Society, which honors friends of the museum who have pledged to include AFAM in their estate plans and make a lasting commitment to its future. Among the honorees previously inducted into the Legacy Society include Richard Gasperi and Audrey B. Heckler. Kendra and Allan Daniel, who previously served as members of AFAMs Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2016 and are currently active members of the Museums Acquisitions Committee, have long been supporters of the museum. They were instrumental in the organization of the 2016 exhibition Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection. The exhibition explored the fascinating visual landscape of fraternal culture through the enigmatic and evocative ritual props, lodge furnishings, painted banners, and additional art and objects that were the hallmarks of these secret societies in America from the late 1700s through the early 20th century. The landmark exhibition, one of the few ever organized to examine the artistry behind American fraternal organizations, was memorialized in a richly illustrated scholarly catalog published in conjunction with the exhibition. The exhibition was primarily composed of a major gift of works of art from the collection of Kendra and Allan Daniel and featured almost 200 works of art. Since debuting in 2016, Mystery and Benevolence continues to enthrall the public and garner reviews in the press through traveling exhibitions to museums and institutions across the United States. It has currently been on view at the Taft Museum of Art in Cincinnati, Ohio, and closes May 11, 2025. Kendra and Allan Daniel also made a promised gift to the museum of a masterfully carved punch figure by Charles Henkel (1842-1915). Carved in 1870, this exceptional punch figure is distinguished by its level of detail and fullness of expression, as well as its robust presence and beautifully articulated features, set off by a vibrant paint scheme. As the only known example signed by Henkel, this punch figure also marks the first work by the artist now in the museums collection and an important piece of immigrant craftsmanship in 19th century America. The Daniels have built an unparalleled reputation in the field based on their decades of expertise and passion for all facets of American folk art. We are deeply grateful to Kendra and Allan for this significant bequest, which will bolster the museums acquisition funds for future works of art and better position AFAM as the nations museum of folk and self-taught art, commented Jason T. Busch, Becky and Bob Alexander Director & CEO of the American Folk Art Museum. The American Folk Art Museum holds a very special place in our hearts, and we are honored to provide this gift to ensure the museum continues to seek out important works of traditional folk art that advance a greater understanding of folk and self-taught art across American history, remarked Kendra and Allan Daniel.