The Heard Museum Guild has been supporting the mission and goals of the Heard Museum through volunteerism in education, support of American Indian artists and their communities, enhancement of the visitor experience, public outreach and fundraising since 1956. Coming from diverse work, education, cultural, and geographical backgrounds, members are passionate about the Heard and dedicated to life-long learning about the arts, heritage, and life ways of the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
In 1958, volunteers opened a Gift Shop “pledging to sell only the good, the authentic.” In 1959, the first Indian Fair was held and in 1968 the Heard Guild Arts & Crafts Exhibit was created as a juried competition. These two events were the basis of the current Indian Fair & Market, the Guild’s main fund-raising event and the largest annual public event held at the Heard. Men, including Senator Barry Goldwater, joined in 1972. Over the years, programs including Speakers Bureau, Information Desk, Student Art Sale, Library Book Sale, Scholarships and Grants, Trips, Lecture Series, and more were conceived, planned, and implemented by the talented Guild volunteers.
Collectively, our 450 Guild members have contributed well over 1 million volunteer hours. Additionally, our fundraising efforts provide $130,000-$150,000 annually to support Museum operations and activities. For more than 60 years, the Guild continues its original goals of supporting the mission and programs of the Heard Museum.
