Martha and Rick Smith, left, present a gift to director Beryl Rosenthal, to Rick's left, and Anita Greenwood, interim dean of the Graduate School of Education.

Working for the Tsongas Industrial History Center for the past 20 years has taught National Park Ranger Rick Smith a great deal about the way museums work. One truism he learned is that if an institution relies too heavily on state and federal grants, it risks financial instability.

This inside knowledge inspired him, along with his wife, Martha, to make a $37,500 donation to the Tsongas Center to establish a discretionary endowment fund for the center’s director. This unrestricted fund, which includes a match from a state endowment enhancement program, provides the director with additional funds, outside of grant money, to spend on the Center’s priorities.

He’s hoping his gift will be the inspiration for others.

“I am very passionate about the Center. I have spent my whole professional career working here, and when I had to opportunity to make a gift, I knew this was the place I wanted to support,” says Smith. “I’m hoping this sets an example for others.”

The Tsongas Center teaches students about the American Industrial Revolution through hands-on activities. The center also offers professional development for teachers and, in some cases, graduate credit.

The Tsongas Center is a partnership between the University of Massachusetts Lowell Graduate School of Education and Lowell National Historical Park, who each provide a portion of the funding and staff to operate the Center.