The Museum mourns the loss of Burton Fendelman. Along with his wife, Helaine, Burt generously supported the Museum through fundraising and gifts to the collection. He was a confidante and mentor to many, and was always willing to share time and expertise with the Museum’s staff and board. Over the course of the last six decades, he introduced many individuals who became Trustees, supporters, and friends of AFAM, and could be counted upon for good conversation and great advice.

Reflecting on Burt’s devotion to AFAM, Jason T. Busch, Becky and Bob Alexander Director & CEO, said: “Burt was one of the few persons to have a history with the American Folk Art Museum since its inception in the 1960s, each chapter of which he embraced with personal generosity and inspiring commitment. I’ll never forget how Burt and his lovely wife Helaine embraced me soon after joining AFAM in 2018. They invited me for dinner at the National Arts Club in New York, and we shared stories about the field of folk art and our mutual upbringing in the Midwest. Burt was one of a kind, and his love for people and art will be missed.”