The annual meeting of the New York Chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums, held Wednesday April 2, 2014, at the New York Athletic Club, was an occasion for much celebration. Cardinal Timothy Dolan has recently appointed Monsignor Thomas Modugno to be the new President of the Board of Directors for the New York Chapter. Msgr. Modugno was at the meeting and had an opportunity to meet with many of our members during the reception that followed the business meeting.

During the business meeting, Board member Mark Villamar announced 6 new projects being undertaken in the Museum which were selected by the Board and funded by a large bequest made by former NY Chapter members Eileen and Robert Carlson. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson were active members of the New York Chapter prior to their retirement to Arizona, and generously remembered the Vatican Museums in their wills. The projects, which will draw down about 75% of their $11 million-plus bequest, are: restoration of Raphael’s Sala di Constantino; restoration of many of the 600 Objects in the Vatican Gardens; restoration of the Complete Set of Reliefs from the Trajan Column; expansion of the marble restoration lab; a new photographic archive (“Fototeca”); and the “Inside the Museum” photography project. More details on each of these projects can be found in the Projects section of our website.

Mrs. Lee Romanelli, Executive Director of the New York Chapter, introduced other members of the NY Chapter’s Board of Directors; displayed the Gold Medal awarded to the NY Chapter at the 30th Anniversary celebrations in Rome in October 2013; and invited board member Camille Kelleher to unveil the New York Chapter’s new website. After adjourning the meeting, Mrs. Romanelli invited all present to join her for refreshments.