Entrepreneurs Make Leadership Gift to Museum of Science, Boston

Gift from Gwill York and Paul Maeder establishes the Gwill York President of the Museum of Science Fund 

BOSTON, MA - A transformative gift from entrepreneur Gwill York, longtime trustee and former board chair of the Museum of Science, Boston, and her husband, Paul Maeder, has created the Gwill York President of the Museum of Science Fund, an endowment fund that establishes the named presidency of the Museum as the Gwill York President of the Museum of Science. The gift was announced at the spring meeting of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.

“This is more than a name change—it is a tribute to Gwill’s remarkable leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to science, innovation, and education,” said Tim Ritchie, the Gwill York President of the Museum of Science. “Gwill’s passion for discovery and lifelong learning aligns seamlessly with our mission to inspire curiosity and foster a love of science in all people. Gwill and Paul’s generosity ensures that the Museum will continue to push boundaries, innovate, and expand access to STEM education for generations to come.”

A pioneering investor and entrepreneur, York has played a transformative role in supporting groundbreaking companies in biotechnology, medical devices, clean technology, and beyond. She is the founding managing director of Lighthouse Capital Partners; since 1994, York's firm has committed more than $2 billion in capital to more than 500 companies, including Netflix, Nvidia, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, NxStage, and Cascade Communications. 

York began her Museum stewardship in 1991, drawn by its innovative overnight program focusing on girls and science education. She has served continuously on the board since 1997 and led as chair from 2015 to 2020, the first woman to hold the position. A past chair of the Board of Fellows at Harvard Medical School and past member of the Board of Overseers at Harvard University, York also currently serves as president of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Board of Trustees.

“From the time I first volunteered at the Museum of Science more than 40 years ago, I have been captivated by its ability to include everybody in the scientific process,” said York. “The Museum is a place where visitors truly see themselves in science, many for the first time, and Paul and I want to ensure that this inclusion continues in perpetuity. We hope that this gift contributes to the long-term sustainability of the Museum of Science.”