Leaving a Legacy: Joyce Jeffers

Ever wondered where the Science Adventure Center's enormous Happy Face spider or darling treehouse costumes came from? Or the stuffed 'ulu, breadfruit, and keiki costumes in Pacific Hall's Educational Resource Center? For twenty years, Bishop Museum has benefited from the creativity, artistry, and love of a very special and talented person.

Joyce Jeffers was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in Southern California. In elementary school, her favorite field trips were to museums. Not surprisingly, she eventually studied art. On a vacation to Hawai'i, Joyce and her husband Tom were delighted to be surrounded by "as much water as you are ever going to find," and decided to move here permanently. For many years they enjoyed living aboard a boat at Ke'ehi Lagoon.

In 1993, Joyce joined the staff at Bishop Museum, first in the Education Department for seven years, and then in the Exhibits Department for seven more before retiring. She says it was thrilling to work behind the scenes crafting displays, sewing costumes, repairing Hawaiian feather cloaks, and even stitching a replica skirt for Queen Lili'uokalani's coronation ball gown, since the original skirt was too fragile to be displayed. "I am awed by Hawaiian Hall every time I see it," Joyce says. "If I could have any historical figureto dinner, I would invite Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop."

Joyce can't let go of the museum: "I've found a home there," she says of the Exhibits Department. "It's an emotional feeling. I am very happy to continue volunteering on special projects."

As she and Tom did their estate planning, they made a provision in their revocable living trusts to leave a per- centage of their estate to Bishop Museum. Several years ago, Joyce decided that she would like to see some of her contribution at work during her lifetime. She made a generous outright gift to establish a fund to help the Exhibits Department keep exhibits in top shape. She has faithfully replenished the fund every year and hopes that by naming this fund the Enduring Exhibits Fund instead of for herself and Tom, others will also contribute to it.

Joyce and Tom, married 57 years, have a son and a daughter, three grandchildren, and two great- grandsons. While making provisions for her family, Joyce realized that the Museum is also part of her 'ohana. Her fondest wish is that other Museum supporters help this Hawai'i treasure to thrive for years to come.