Love of Museum Motivates Donor to Give

Bernice Samkoff included the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU as one of six organizations to benefit from her trust.

Bernice Samkoff had a gift of being an astute stock trader and investor who built a sizable net worth in the last 30 years of her life.

In March 1998, about six months before she died, Bernice visited the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. As a former teacher, she was impressed with the museum's educational value and decided to include the museum in her will as one of the six organizations to equally share in her trust.

Bernice's philanthropy has provided JMOF-FIU with a gift that keeps on giving. The final distribution from her estate, received in Sept. 2014, brought the total amount of the museum's endowment to more than $1.37 million. In addition, the museum was able to benefit from $480,000 in state-matching funds.

Bernice's estate provided the impetus for the establishment of the museum's endowment fund, spurring others to add to her legacy.

"The impact of Bernice Samkoff's bequest for JMOF-FIU continues to resonate today, as it provided the solid foundation by which we were able to establish our endowment fund, ensuring the ability to carry out our unique mission of collecting, preserving and interpreting the 250-plus-year history of Jews in Florida," says Jo Ann Arnowitz, Executive Director and Chief Curator of JMOF-FIU.

Leaving Her Legacy

Born in New York City in 1933, Bernice attended Syracuse University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education. She returned to New York City to teach. During those years, she followed her father's lead and became interested in the stock market, subscribing to many financial and investing magazines, and learning all she could. In 1972, she moved to Florida with her ailing parents and lived here until her death in March 1998.

"Bernice had the foresight to leave the legacy she desired. Through her generosity and thoughtfulness, she ensured that her name would continue to be associated with the institutions and ideals she cherished. This is an important and powerful statement for all donors considering to invest in FIU," Jo Ann says.

Museum Has Deep Impact

The museum is located in Miami Beach, Florida, and occupies two adjacent former synagogues registered in the National Register of Historic Places. It explores more than 250 years of Jewish art, culture and history in the state of Florida.

In December 2012, the museum began a historic partnership with Florida International University, igniting a new era of interdisciplinary education, research and outreach focused on the history of the Jewish experience in Florida. Through exhibitions, public programs, historical collections and publications, the museum has provided multicultural education for two decades.

"Bernice's gift set an important example for all donors, illustrating how one person's involvement can make such a difference, now and for future generations," Jo Ann says.

Create Your Legacy

Join Bernice Samkoff in investing in the future of FIU by making a planned gift to the University. Contact us to get started.