IAAM fundraising maintains momentum with $500,000 gift from Harry and Susan Frampton
August 22, 2018
The International African American Museum (IAAM) is honored to announce a $500,000 donation from Harry and Susan Frampton. Harry, born in Hartsville, South Carolina, attended Clemson University, and is the founder and chairman of East West Partners, based in Vail Valley, Colorado. Susan, who was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, was a schoolteacher in her home state before relocating to Colorado, where she is active in the nonprofit community.
Over the summer, the IAAM has made great strides in its fundraising efforts. Last Thursday, the museum announced that it had reached its $75 million Founders Fund goal, but stressed that fundraising would remain a priority. As Joseph P. Riley, Jr., noted at the event, “given the potential impact of inflation and tariffs affecting building materials, it is prudent that we remain dedicated to raising additional funds so that we can ensure the creation of a world-class institution, and we are grateful to the people and organizations that will continue to consider investments in the design and construction of the museum.”
This half-million leadership investment from Harry and Susan Frampton underscores that sentiment. Of course, given his long history in real estate development, Harry understands as well as anyone the veracity of Riley’s statement.
Riley added that he “is so proud that Harry and Susan’s gift is the first to be made after reaching the $75 million milestone. It shows that they truly understand the importance and necessity of this institution.”
As the Colorado Hall of Fame notes, “Harry Frampton has made developing some of the world’s premier ski resort towns an art form. Combining keen business sense with a respect for culture and sport, Frampton works to provide visitors and residents of these bustling towns with a well-rounded experience.”
Harry has demonstrated his leadership in development as a former chairman of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) as well as the past president of the ULI’s Large Scale Development Council and Recreation Council. The ULI describes its mission as providing “leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide,” and is the largest and oldest network of real estate and land use experts.
As founding partner of East West Partners, Harry has overseen development in Charleston, including The Gadsden, Gadsdenboro Park, Tides IV, The Tides, One Vendue and City Gallery at Waterfront Park.
“I have watched Charleston grow and evolve over the course of many years now, and I can think of no addition more perfect to the Charleston landscape than the International African American Museum,” said Harry. “Joe Riley’s dedication and enthusiasm for this endeavor is unparalleled and inspiring. Susan and I are proud to support this institution, which is so dear to Joe’s heart.”
About the IAAM
Nearly half of all enslaved Africans forced to America through the Transatlantic Slave Trade arrived in Charleston, and the vast majority disembarked at Gadsden’s Wharf, the future home of the International African American Museum (IAAM) and one of the most significant and sacred sites of the African American experience in the Western hemisphere. The IAAM, a museum, memorial and site of conscience, will present unvarnished history and culture, commemorate and celebrate the foundational role that Africans and their descendants played in the making of America, and highlight their diasporic connections around the world. It will include immersive, interactive exhibits engaging to all ages and feature the Center for Family History, a leading genealogy archive that will help visitors identify their individual threads in the complex tapestry of history.
