2023 Annual Report and Strategic Plan Update 2021-2023
FROM Wilson D. Mudge BOARD CHAIR
I’ve been around RTPI in one capacity or another for longer than most. From visiting my mother at work in the archives to hosting friends and family at our wedding rehearsal dinner almost 25 years ago. Most recently, I’ve had the honor of serving eight years on the board of directors, the past two as chair. Over the years, some things have remained the same. The beauty of our museum building and the nature preserve. A community of people – staff, board, volunteers and visitors – inspired by Roger Tory Peterson’s legacy as an artist, author and educator.
Other things have changed, including our renewed mission and purpose. As the living embodiment of the Peterson Field Guide, we are striving to realize the full potential of our building as a museum filled with Art that Matters to the Planet. To enhance our living museum of a preserve with pollinator meadows, bluebird trails and art along the nature trails. To greatly expand our audience and serve our community through exhibitions that inspire and programs that make everyone feel welcome and at home with art and connected with the natural world.
As my time as chair nears its close next year, I’m proud of how far we’ve come, yet mindful of the challenges that remain. Mostly, however, I’m deeply appreciative of the engagement and support of all our members, donors, artists, employees and visitors, and hope you’re as excited as I am for what’s around the next bend on our journey together.
Sincerely,
Wilson D. Mudge, Board Chair of the
Roger Tory Peterson Institute Hooded Mergansers, Roger Tory Peterson, Bird-Lore Magazine, March-April 1937, Volume 39, Issue No. 2
The cover art is one of two original paintings by Roger Tory Peterson recently added to the Peterson Collection.
The mixed media painting of a pair of hooded mergansers was created for the March 1937 cover of Bird Lore Magazine. Roger was in his late twenties at the time he created this artwork, shortly after he completed his art studies in New York City. The painting shines as an example of Roger’s early, more illustrative style before he honed his skills at realism.
RTPI is grateful for this gift from Vernal L. Yadon, former Director and Curator Emeritus of the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.
FROM Arthur Pearson CEO
Since the adoption of our new strategic plan in 2021, RTPI has participated in the Annual Survey of Museum-Goers conducted by the American Alliance of Museums. We also track attendance data. Visitors share feedback about our exhibitions, our programs and the overall experience of RTPI – what we do well and what we could do better.
So, well into our fourth year of reinventing RTPI as a nature art museum, how are we doing?
The short answer is pretty darned good. Attendance has more than tripled and continues on the rise. The number of memberships is shooting through the roof. And what our visitors tell us – what you tell us – is that what you value most about RTPI is the opportunity to learn. To be inspired and awed. And to have fun.
Oh, and one other thing. This year, the American Alliance of Museums survey asked an intriguing question: What kind of things give you hope?
Respondents from different kinds of museums all over the country agreed: the top two things that give everyone hope are art and nature. For RTPI visitors, a close third is being part of a community.
Art. Nature. Community.
For all the data crunching that’s necessary to run a successful museum, this pretty much sums up who we are and what we do. This is why RTPI matters.
This is why I’m filled with hope about our future together.
Arthur Pearson, CEO of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute
“RTPI has been on our radar screen for years but caught our serious attention when the rebranding and strategy were rolled out. Thank you for all that you are doing for Western New York and for our planet!”
–
Penelope, Rochester, NY
Art
Art is what we do. Nature Art. Art that Matters to the Planet.
Over the past three years, to build RTPI into a nature art museum of national significance, we launched an ambitious annual season of exhibitions featuring the work of Roger Tory Peterson, as well as contemporary nature artists from across the country.
“What we have seen here today at RTPI has moved us to tears! The extraordinary care and beauty each of these artists has rendered is breathtaking! We were truly blessed to discover this lovely gem of a museum.”
– Lisa and Gary, Pittsburgh, PA
Each exhibition illuminates the beauty of nature, challenges us to confront the critical conservation concerns of our time, and inspires us to preserve the earth’s diversity of life. In other words, each exhibition affords the opportunity to learn, to be awed and inspired.
is the Thing with Feathers Contemporary Women Nature Artists
“Every time I visit, I am surprised and pleased at the quality of the beautiful and thoughtprovoking exhibits. RTPI is a treasure and a blessing to all who visit.”
– Marlin, Jamestown, NY
Nature
RTPI is a museum unlike any other. We are a nature art museum indoors. A living museum outdoors.
At the same time we’ve been enhancing what we do inside the museum, we have made numerous improvements throughout the Peterson Preserve. To be good stewards of the land. To honor Roger’s legacy as an international ambassador for nature. To spark a lifelong passion for the beauty of the natural world.
“Beautiful wildflowers. We loved the nature trail – reminds us of the wooded areas of our youth. Art work is thought-provoking, clever, creative and well presented. Thank you for keeping the important legacy and life-labor of Roger Tory Peterson alive in this gorgeous space. Looking forward to visiting again and watching your outreach plans expand to include those who don’t yet know what a “jewel in Jamestown’s crown” this place is.”
– Melissa, Berea, KY
Among our outdoor accomplishments over the past three years:
• Inaugurated a new bluebird trail
• Established two new pollinator meadows
• Enhanced our nature trails with new bridges and art sculptures
• Transformed our entryway garden into a showpiece for native plants
• Initiated restoration of the creekway that runs through our preserve
• Launched a regular series of guided bird walks through the Peterson Preserve
• Became an official location on the New York State Birding Trail
• Awarded Certified Wildlife Habitat status by National Wildlife Foundation
“There isn’t a better way to activate a child’s imagination and sense of exploration than by combining nature with art. My nephew loves the sculptures along the trails at RTPI and the trail map adds an air of adventure.”
– David, Jamestown, NY
Community
Art + Nature + Community = Hope
The past three years have demonstrated this is a winning equation. We build community through art and nature, as well as through an expanding roster of programs and special events. Roger’s Bird-Day Bash. Summer Soirée. Plein Air Festival. Holidays at the Lodge. Art After 5. Exhibition openings. Field trips for schools and youth groups. Workshops for budding artists of all ages. Even private event rentals.
Joe Rice, Smackdab. 2022, watercolor on paper.
“Visiting this place is a dream come true!” – Megan, Wheeling, WV
We came for the wedding, but fell in love with the art.” – Brittany, Fredonia, NY
“As a life-long birder, I feel a sense of awe. This is my first trip to ‘Mecca’ at age 75. What a beautiful, spiritual space. Thanks to all who protect and preserve the Institute and its Preserve.”
– Libby, Cleveland, OH
Art + Nature + Community is why attendance is skyrocketing. It’s why the number of people visiting multiple times a year is sharply on the rise. It’s why more and more people are traveling to Jamestown to experience RTPI. While many museums are still struggling to return to their pre-pandemic attendance levels, RTPI is crushing it. Compared to 2019, the last full year before the pandemic, attendance at RTPI has increased 250%.
Total Attendance 2019-2023
“This place is definitely a gem for the community regardless of whether you are a birder or not. Amazing art and amazing facility.”
– Thomas, Taos, NM
“What a fabulous experience – not just for birders but for anyone interested in nature and the preservation of the natural world and the planet. Our tour was excellent and so informative and thought provoking both about Peterson and his work, and the ecological values the institute continues to uphold and share. Please continue your great work!”
– The Andersons, Carlisle, PA
Roger Tory
Peterson
Institute
the period ending December 31, 2023
*The change in net assets is due to prior years revenue released from restrictions and the annual discount on long-term promises to give.
Roger Tory Peterson Institute Foundation, Inc.
for the period ending December 31, 2023
The Foundation is an independently incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the sole purpose of which is to support the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, namely by holding and managing RTPI’s endowment funds.
Gifts to the endowment help support the long-term sustainability of RTPI. To discuss the options for making a tax-deductible legacy gift to the endowment, please contact David Niles by calling him at 716-665-2473 x231, or emailing him at dniles@rtpi.org.
Board & Staff
As of July 2024
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wilson D. Mudge, Chair
Diane M. Carlson, Vice-Chair
Bert Whitney Rappole Jr., Treasurer
Lee A. Peterson, Secretary
Chris Anderson
Jane Cleaver Becker
Kent J. Francois
William H. Hopple III
Tory C. Peterson
Michael J. Sacopulos
Douglas L. Schutte
Ellen Stokes Shadle
Erika N.D. Stanat
Dr. Jeanne Wiebenga
Dr. Marilyn Zagora
Arthur Pearson
STAFF
Arthur Pearson
CEO
Jana Ball
Communications & Visitor Experience Associate
Christian Baffoin
Programs and Visitor Experience Associate
Claire Johnson
Programs and Events Manager
Rachael Kosinski
Assistant Curator
David Niles
Advancement Director
Justyne (Tina) Preston
Operations Manager
Destiny Vail
Visitor Experience Associate
BOARD SPOTLIGHT
Bill Hopple is among RTPI’s newest board members, but he is no stranger to RTPI or to CHQ. “I remember attending the groundbreaking for RTPI in 1984 and having my Peterson Field Guide signed by Roger.” Born and raised in Cincinnati, Bill served for 23 years as Director/President of Cincinnati Nature Center. Since 1989, he and his wife, Mary, have owned a cottage on Chautauqua Lake.
“Over the years, I have watched from afar as RTPI grew and changed, striving to serve Roger’s commitment to celebrate and conserve the natural world.” Elected to the board in 2022, Bill serves as the Chair of the Development and Communications Committee.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
William H. Hopple III Claire Johnson
Claire joined RTPI as the Programs and Events Manager in March 2024. A Chautauqua County native, she credits her parents for instilling in her a deep appreciation for the outdoors. In addition to her love of nature, Claire brings to RTPI a passion for beauty, elegance and customer service – to ensure a first-rate experience for everyone who visits the museum.
Along with programs and events, Claire manages RTPI’s facility rental for private events. “Hosting weddings, anniversary celebrations and business meetings in our beautiful museum,” Claire says, “is another important way we serve our community.” For information about programs, events or private rentals, contact Claire at cjohnson@rtpi.org
Donors
For the period January through December, 2023
$30,000 AND ABOVE
City of Jamestown
New York State Council on the Arts
Roger Tory Peterson Institute Foundation
$10,000 TO $29,999
Judith C. Alstadt
Bruce D. Battler
Diane M. Carlson
C. Malcolm & Jeanette M. Nichols RTPI Fund
Carnahan-Jackson Foundation
Chautauqua Region Community Foundation
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
William R. Hackney
Holmberg Foundation
Jamestown Local Development Corporation
National Film Preservation Foundation
Charles Donald Powers
Stanley A. Weeks Charitable Legacy Fund
William and Betty Kelly Charitable Trust
$4,000 TO $9,999
Allen R. and Margaret H. Findlay Fund
County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency
Kent and Jennifer Francois
Linda Goodridge Steckley and Pete Weitzel
Holiday Valley Resort
Irene B. Eckberg RTPI Fund
Amy and Wilson Mudge
Lee and Courtney Peterson
Tory and Janet Peterson
Whit and Jenny Rappole Jr.
Tim and Leslie Renjilian
Douglas L. Schutte
Shults Auto Group
Jon and Erika Stanat
Jeanne E. Wiebenga
Barbara Yellig Lupfer
$1,000 TO $3,999
Andrew Sabin Family Foundation
Warren C. Blanchard Jr.
Craig Caldwell
Ayako S. Cone
Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant
Henry and Julie Danielson
Pat and Michael Dennehey
El Greco Woodworking
Mary Anne Harp
Mary and Bill Hopple
Kay Johnson
Arthur Klebanoff
Ronald and Anne Kohl
M&T Bank
Blossom McBrier
Arthur and Susan Pearson
Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation
Lynne Reading
Summit Wealth Management, Inc.
C.K. and George Theofilactidis
Marilyn Zagora
$500 TO $999
Jon Boone
Stephen F. Boulay
Bereda Children’s Memorial Fund
Jack Connolly and Peg Barrett
Michael Desha
Dewey and Myrna E Spencer Larson Memorial Fund
ERA Team VP Real Estate
Falconer Printing
G.L. Olson, Inc.
Martin F. Idzik
The Lenna Foundation
Stephen A. Lewis and Jeff F. Wellington
Loud Performance
James L. and Ellen Palmer Marsey
Mary Beth Metcalf, MD
National Philanthropic Trust
Robert and Patricia Sundell Environmental Fund
Roger Tory Peterson Institute Fund
Cynthia Sargent
David and Anita Sanctuary
Kathleen N. Scharon Azzaro
Donors
For the period January through December, 2023
$500 TO $999
Fred C. Sibley
Stephen E. Still
Team One Insurance Services
Steve and Deb Szwejbka
Craig Thompson & Rose Ann Woodard
$100- $499
Stephen and Ann Morse Abdella
C. Rose Anderson
Thomas Anderson
E. Thomas Arnn
Tedd and Carol Arnold
Eleanor and Richard Aron
Lori Ashley
Ellen B. Avril
Timothy and Beth Baird
Bill and Wendy Bale
Robert D. Barnes
Laurie Barrera
Stephen Beal
Thomas and Jane Becker
Mary and James Berry
Russell and Sally Boehner
Phyllis S. Bornand
Eileen A. Braungard
Carrie and David Brown
John M. Brubaker
James Marlin Casker
David Chapin
Janet Chapman
Chautauqua Chemicals Company
Fred L. Cohen
Patrick and Karen Collins
Marcia De La Cerda
Suzanne Dearment
Rebecca Dibble
Elizabeth Dodd
Carol Montgomery Drake, CPA
William and Sally Ebersbach
Marjorie Ellert
Joan Eschner
Melvin Feather
Patricia Fincher
$100- $499
Theodore C. and Deborah R. First
Leila Ford
Phyllis N. Frank
Robert and Marjorie Gingell
Marjorie L.Girth
Andrew and Lisa Goodell
Lynette Green-Pickup
Lyndon and Melanie Gritters
Mark and Donna Hampton
Sandra M. Hatfield
Eleanor Harvey
Katherine E. Hauth
Paul and Beth Higby
Sue Hirshman
Audrey Horbett
Robert and Lori Hottle
Mary and Raymond Jacobi
Jennifer and Fred Johnson
Joe and Jan Johnson
Megan Johnson
Greg and Sue Jones
Henry G. Kammerer
Dr. Ranjit K. Laha
Sarah Larson
Deborah and Donald Lauper
Lawley Services LLC
James and Jane Lawton
Jeffrey Lebsack
William D. Levin and Laureen Martin
Lilly Endowment, Inc.
Robert Long
Ruth Lundin and Paul Hedberg
Michael and Barbara Lyons
Helen Mak and Marc Hersh
Charles and Ruth Ann McChesney
John McCullough
Michael and Mary McHugh
Kristan McMahon
Medical Risk Institute, Inc.
Richard and Barbara Meidinger
Melissa Meyers
Jacqueline M. Milligan
Peter Miraglia
Richard and Eugenie Myers
$100- $499
Sara C. Myers
Native Roots
Mark and Ruth Nelson
Drina Nemes
Network for Good
Peter and Janet Nixon
Kim and Vicki M. Olson
Thomas and Ellen Paquette
Kevin Parkman
Bradley and Nancy Paul
David and Linda Pease
Gloria Joy Plevin
Joel Potash
Jean E. Prechter
Charles D. and Ann B. Preston
Justyne and Rhys Preston
Pt. Chq Historical Preservation Society
H.C. and Mary Putnam
Brendan and Khaetidawne Quirk
John and Bonnie Rappole
Rosemary Rappole
Tom and Tracey Reading
J. William and Joan L. Reed
Jane Lee Ring
James Roach
Robert S. & Je’Anne Bargar Fund
Michael and Karen Roberts
Annelie Rose
William and Margaret Rowe
Michael Sacopulos
James G. Sammarco
Russell and Judith Sampson
Kimberlee Schifrin
Mary Schmidt
Paul and Byrnedette Schonhart
John and Peggy Schultz
Curtis and Joyce Sechler
Ellen Shadle
Elaine Short
Gary Skoog
Rick and Terry Turner
Kent and Veerle Ullberg
United Way of Bartholomew County, Inc.
Susan Cadwell Upton
Donors
For the period January through December, 2023
$100- $499
Mitchell Walker and Sarah Hoban
Nancy Ward
Leslie Warren
Thomas Wasilewski
Donald and Elizabeth Watts
Don Weaver
Lisa Weinzler
Carolyn Whitehead
John Winn
Melinda Wolcott
Steven and Cheryl Woodruff
Glen and Janice Yeager
Brenda Young
John Zabrodsky
Anne C. Zaragoza
UP TO $99
“All for Amy” Memorial Fund
Nancy Ames
Karen Anderson
Rogert and Kathleen Ascough
Barbara Babiarz
Allene and Charlie Barans
James and Beth Barnes
Leonard Barry
Jaye H. Beebe
The Benevity Community Impact Fund
Peter Bono
David Boyd
Linda Bumbalo
Thomas and Sandra Calalesina
Cherylann O. Campbell
Mary-Louise Cartledge
Amy E. Choboy
Diane K. Clark
Craig and Rebecca Colburn
Stephen and Dawn Columbare
Carol Cooper
Wendy Jo Culver
Helen Davis
Neal and Lisa Delisanti
Laurie Dell
Kelly Diers
Andrea DiMaio
UP TO $99
Spencer Drake
Virginia G. Elliot
Christina Erickson
Bruce and Joan Erickson
Priscilla Fairbank
Richard K. Farver
Thomas and Connie Gauronski
Give Lively Foundation
Clark Goetzman
Donald and Kathleen Greenhouse
Thomas and Sally Greer
Joseph Grice
Polly Hampton & Kenny Macdonald
Mardell Hanson
Marlene and Harold Hanson
Kathleen M. Herron
Katherine B. Hirschfeld
Thomas C. Hoffman
Eileen R. Holden
Terrance and Kathleen Horner
Lee Horton
Jamestown Skeet Club
Mark Jobes
Richard Johnson
Sally J. Jurkowski
Suzanne Keppel
Mr. and Mrs. John Kohler
Theodore and Susanna Kurtzhals
Deborah Lanni
Elizabeth Lasser
Edward and Eleanor Lemiszko
Richard and Carol Lewis
Bruce and Pat Limberg
Jacqueline Littlejohn
Judy Lockwood
Barbara Mallette
Natalie and John Manno
Karen and Gerald Mathewson
Mayville Senior Citizen Club
Hillary Meyer
Donald and Sara Michalak
Ricky L. Miller
Rochelle Mole
Elise Muffitt
Lloyd and Sandra Munsee
UP TO $99
David Munson
Daniel Munson
Colin Najuch
Gordon R. Nelson
Hudsyn Niles
North Harmony Senior Citizens
Karen F. Ohta
Johnny and Ingrid Palermo
Claranne B. Parker
Helen Ann Peterson
Marlene Piatz
Joel Potash
Mike and Lynn Presby
Albert and Mary Jane Proctor
Carolyn Proctor
Kerry and Diane Provance
Barbara Rappole
REA Display, Inc.
Faith Revell
Renee Riczker
Marilyn and Rosario Riotto
Leigh and Brian Rovengo
Joe and Wendy Santilli
James B. Scofield
Sellstrom Law Firm, LLP
Elizabeth and David Shepherd
Paul Sojka
Megan Sorenson
Kay Stahlman
Sally Stapley
Peter B. Sullivan
John and Marilyn Sundeen
Douglas Swanson
The Steener Group
Carolyn Thomas
Dr. D Charles and Mary Truitt
David Ubanks
Jeffrey and Michele Victor
Thomas and Gail Walder
War Veterans Recreation Inc
Deforest and Joyce Warn
Alex Warnick
Marilyn Whitley
Bill and Connie Wright
Donors
For the period January through December, 2023
GOLD EXHIBITION SPONSOR
Shults Auto Group – Art That Matters to the Planet
GOLD ART AFTER 5 SPONSOR
Shults Auto Group
GOLD HOLIDAYS AT THE LODGE SPONSOR
El Greco Woodworking
SILVER EXHIBITION SPONSOR
Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant
Art That Matters to the Planet
BANFF FILM FESTIVAL SPONSORS
Chautauqua Partnership for Economic Growth County of Chautauqua
Industrial Development Agency
ERA Team VP Real Estate
Fund for Downtown Programming
Holiday Valley
Jamestown Local Development Corporation
Loud Performance
Media One Radio Group
Summit Wealth Management, Inc.
Team 1 Insurance Services
BIRD-DAY BASH SPONSORS
Falconer Printing
M&T Bank
Summit Wealth Management, Inc
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Art Cloth & Craft
Audubon Community Nature Center
Biodome Project
Brazil/Labyrinth
Chautauqua Soap Co.
The Chop House on Main Crown Street Roasting Company
Elegant Edibles
Evergreen Outfitters
Goat Fort Indoor Climbing
Hotspot Café
IN-KIND SPONSORS
It’s Your Day
Jamestown Skate Products
Jamestown Tarp Skunks
Johnson Estate Winery
Lakeview Gardens
Mable Roads
National Comedy Center
Pace’s Pizzeria
Panama Rocks
PersNikkity Pies Bakery
Robert H. Jackson Center
Royal Fern Nursery
St. Elmo Spa
IN MEMORY OF
Mary Blair
Sherwood and Carol Cadwell
Laura Carnahan
Carole Colter
William Davis
Len DeFrancisco
Susie Dewey
Janet Dibble
Mike and Gloria Lasser
Jason Parker
Arthur Pearson Sr.
Lynne Peterson
Ann Reading
Gerry Rising
LeRoy and Anne Scharon
Rosalie and Kit Strachan
Bob Sundell
Barclay Wellman
Keith Woodruff
IN HONOR OF
David and Sharon Beckman
Dr. and Mrs. Fred Cohen
Joe Grice
Bill and Mary Hopple
Jamestown Garden Club
Greg and Susan Jones
