HELENE KAPLAN

1933 - 2023

KAPLAN--Helene L. The Trustees and entire community of the American Museum of Natural History are deeply saddened by the passing of the extraordinary Helene Kaplan: longtime Trustee, enduring inspiration, and cherished friend. She was a trailblazer in all she pursued, in the law and as a trustee of numerous scientific, cultural, charitable, and educational institutions including our Museum, her beloved alma mater Barnard College, the Carnegie Corporation, and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, among others. She was a leader in the legal profession as well as the first and often only woman on many corporate boards. The Museum was privileged to benefit from her wise counsel and incisive intelligence over a three-decade tenure during which she was an Officer of the Board, served on nearly every committee, and chaired the Planning and Exhibition Policy Committees during a time of important growth. She was truly one of a kind, with her unique combination of brilliance, steadfastness, unfailing grace, warmth, and caring. She was beloved by the entire Museum community, and we miss her very much. We extend heartfelt condolences to her husband Mark, daughters Susan and Marjorie, and the entire family. Scott L. Bok, Chair Ellen V. Futter, President