Who We Are

​The Society of Winterthur Fellows (SOWF) is the alumni association representing the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture (WPEAC), the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation (WUDPAC), and the Winterthur Program in American Material Culture (WPAMC). We are an independent, not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization.

​​Learn about the history of the Society and meet the current board of directors.

Our Mission

​The Society’s mission is to foster professional development, scholarship, and camaraderie among alumni and current fellows and to support Winterthur’s longstanding commitment to higher education.

​We represent more than 950 alumni around the world. 
WPAMC and WUDPAC classes of 2021 at Winterthur's Point-to-Point
Members of the WPAMC and WUDPAC classes of 2012 at Winterthur's Point to Point

Contribute

​Our time as Winterthur fellows was a privilege and an honor, and our education, experiences, and training enriched our lives immeasurably. Regardless of where our career paths and personal pursuits take us, we share this common bond.

​Become a member of the Society, donate to help support our mission, or get involved by signing up to become a mentor or joining a committee. 

Benefits of Society Membership

​- Access to the searchable online alumni directory
- Invitations to special events and programs
- Eligibility to apply for alumni grants to support research and continuing education
- Inclusion in the annual Honor Roll of Donors (for those who give above the dues-only level)
- A special Winterthur Museum membership discount
- Pride and satisfaction of giving back to Winterthur in a manner that directly benefits alumni and current fellows

Bylaws

In our ongoing efforts to ensure the work that we do is effective and transparent, the Board of Directors regularly reviews our bylaws and recommends amendments to best reflect our mission, goals, and values. In a vote held on July 28, 2021, over Zoom and by proxy, dues-paying members voted in proposed changes to our bylaws.  The proposed changes were aimed at clarifying membership eligibility, modernizing language around communication methods, elucidating the board election process, redistributing and defining officer positions, and seeking greater parity in board representation between both the conservation and culture programs. You can read our updated bylaws by following the link below.
Header:  Alumni at the SOWF-sponsored symposium:  Listen and Connect:  Building a Better Museum Community, 10 April 2016, at Winterthur Museum. Image courtesy of the Winterthur Archives.