Latest Guides

People

Philanthropist Margaret “Peg” Palmer, Founding President of Pacific Asia Museum, Dies at 100

Published on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 | 12:39 pm
 

USC Pacific Asia Museum announced today the passing of Margaret “Peg” Palmer on Sunday evening, April 12, 2015 and expresses its deepest gratitude to her family for all her contributions to the museum.

Margaret N. Palmer (born Margaret Ann Niedringhaus in 1915, Pittsburgh, PA) was an invaluable patron and leader of the museum from its origin as the Pacificulture Foundation in 1960. Without her inspired efforts the museum would not be the respected establishment it is today. From her earliest involvement as the founding board President of the Pacificulture Foundation from 1964 – 1971, to her committed service and leadership on the board of the Pacific Asia Museum (founding board president 1971 – 1973), Palmer was a consistent advocate for the intercultural preservation and dissemination of art and culture. She was an important figure in the formative years of the museum, a pillar of strength and determination, and her legacy here will not soon be forgotten.

Longtime museum member, volunteer and storyteller Sunny Stevenson says, “The museum was founded because she felt that peace in the world must begin with an understanding and appreciation of people, customs and cultures different from our own. If it were not for her grace, charm, enthusiasm and perseverance, we would not be enjoying an exciting place that is still growing and developing in even greater ways.”

Palmer graduated from Carnegie Institute of Technology in the School of Fine Arts/Drama Department, Pittsburgh, PA, in 1936. She was a member of the Beta Pi Sorority (currently Kappa Kappa Gamma). She then attended Parson’s School of Design in New York City, where she began her career in fashion design and modeling. After marrying Everett Arthur Palmer, Jr. in 1941, they moved to Pasadena in 1946. Margaret then modeled for I. Magnin & Company and Bullock’s Wilshire.

Palmer’s community service was extensive, from the American Red Cross in 1942 to the Assistance League of Pasadena, Pasadena Sister City Committee, Pasadena Art Alliance, Girls Club of Pasadena, and Parent Teacher Associations of San Marino and Pasadena school districts. She was also a member of the Valley Hunt Club, Caltech Associates, Newport Harbor Yacht Club, and the Far Eastern Arts Council of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

The Palmer family will hold a memorial service for Margaret Palmer on Saturday, May 16, 2015 in the museum’s courtyard from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for the public. No reservations are required, and admission to the museum will be free for non-members attending the memorial.

The Palmer family has also generously established the Margaret N. Palmer Memorial Fund for USC Pacific Asia Museum. To donate to this fund in her memory, please contact Sandra Chen Lau at tel. (626) 449-2742 ext. 33 or chenlau@pam.usc.edu.

 

Get our daily Pasadena newspaper in your email box. Free.

Get all the latest Pasadena news, more than 10 fresh stories daily, 7 days a week at 7 a.m.

Make a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

 

 

buy ivermectin online
buy modafinil online
buy clomid online
buy ivermectin online