Close Modal The 1830 Society The 1830 Society recognizes donors whose cumulative lifetime giving equals a minimum of $100,000 and pays tribute to those who have had a major impact on the Museum. Formerly known as the Colby Society, it was renamed to honor the founding of the Boston Society of Natural History. Our mission is made possible through the support of donors and community members within the 1830 Society, and we profoundly thank them for their generosity. Image Celebration Schedule Presentations and Events 6:00 p.m. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres 7:00 p.m. Dinner begins7:30 p.m. Colby Award Presentation8:15 p.m. Walker Prize Presentation8:45 p.m. Hard hat tours of Public Science Common Awards The Colby Award The Colby Award is bestowed annually on members of the Museum of Science family who have made extraordinary contributions of time, treasure, and talent to the Museum. This award recognizes the deep financial commitment and generous volunteer efforts of people who are so important to the Museum achieving its mission. Learn More The Walker Prize The Walker Prize was established in 1864 by eminent surgeon Dr. William Johnson Walker, a generous benefactor of the Boston Society of Natural History, the Museum’s founding organization. This special award recognizes “meritorious published scientific investigation and discovery” in any scientific field. Learn More The Stories Behind Our Award Winners Image Michael Thonis The Colby Award In 1998, Michael Thonis became one of the co-founders at Charlesbank Capital Partners in Boston. Although his career has been in finance, he never strayed far from his love of earth sciences, earning a bachelor’s in Geology at Syracuse, a master’s at MIT, and an MBA at Harvard. Mike’s relationship with the Museum of Science began at a young age and became official in 2006 when he joined the Board of Advisors. He established the Washburn Challenge to raise money by climbing Mount Washington twice in one day, holding the single-day ascent record (3x). Now, as Trustee Emeritus, Mike has chaired committees, championed fundraising, and continues to help the Museum inspire the next generation of earth science aficionados. Image Peter Hotez The Walker Prize Prof. Peter Hotez MD PhD DSc (hon) FAAP FASTMH is Professor of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine where he is also Co-Director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, and Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine. He is also a University Professor of Biology at Baylor University, Senior Fellow in Disease and Humanity at the James A Baker III Institute for Public Policy. Dr. Hotez has led or co-led the development of vaccines for parasitic infections-hookworm, schistosomiasis, Chagas disease-currently in clinical trials, and several coronavirus vaccines, including two low-cost COVID vaccines for global health so far administered to 100 million children and adults in India and Indonesia. He is also an ardent vaccine advocate and science explainer who combats antiscience and antisemitism in America, and globally. Journey Through the Museum Explore More Exhibits Image Live Animal Care Center Image The Art of Illusion Image Innovation: Earth Help Shape the Future of Learning by Supporting Science Today Your gift helps the Museum continue to inspire curiosity and wonder. With your support, we can maintain exceptional exhibits, programs, and events that make us a cornerstone of science and learning in New England. Donate Now
