The Begg Museum Appeal
An opportunity to help secure the future of
one of the world’s most important collections
in Orthodontics and Dentistry.
What is the Begg Museum?
The museum displays a priceless collection of correspondence, appliances, photographs and equipment of Dr Begg. There is a re-creation of his actual operatory with his furniture, chair and aids he used in diagnosis, recording and treatment. These are not reproductions. They are the very same instruments and models he used.
Why should you support this museum?
We believe this is a critical time in history to preserve a collection that started with Dr Begg himself and was carried on by his family and his colleagues. If this museum fails to sustain itself, then these most important artefacts from one of the most significant practitioners of modern orthodontics will be lost forever. There is simply nothing like it anywhere, and the group of volunteers who have been curating it in recent years do not want to see it lost.
How will the museum be managed?
The museum will continue to be managed by volunteers under the auspices of the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontists. However, to secure its future, we will require a body of funds in endowment to allow earnings to be used for the operation and continued cataloguing and development of the displays.
Who will be able to see the museum?
The museum will be open during the year to the public as part of history festivals and at other times for interested parties by prior arrangement. As well, all donors will be able to view the museum by individual appointment. It will also be used for orthodontic and dental gatherings.
How can you help?
There is only one way forward and that is to put together a body of funds which will guarantee the future of the museum. Where relevant to donors, donations will be tax deductible in Australia. The funds will be managed by the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontists. Structures are now in place for this to happen.
What is the goal?
The target of this appeal is $AUD 1 million.
This will allow earnings in perpetuity to ensure the museum exists, is managed and is maintained. It can function as a centre for orthodontic reflection and research into orthodontic history with an emphasis on the Begg story. It can be a meeting space and a destination for interstate and overseas visitors. It will contribute immensely to the status of orthodontics in the minds of community leaders.
Recognition
The appeal will commence in March 2024 at the Australian Society of Orthodontics (ASO) Annual meeting and continue until February 2025. An Honour Board of donors will be unveiled at the 2025 ABSO Annual Meeting and will subsequently be mounted in the museum. You will be recognised in accordance with the categories below.
Honour Board Acknowledgements
MAJOR BENEFACTOR — Contact the ABSO to discuss further.
DIAMOND SUPPORTER — Greater than $50,000
PLATINUM SUPPORTER — Greater than $20,000 up to $50,000
GOLD SUPPORTER — Greater than $10,000 up to $20,000
SILVER SUPPORTER — Greater than $5,000 up to $10,000
FRIENDS OF THE BEGG MUSEUM — Up to $5,000
You can make a contribution by downloading the donation form (above) or if you would like to talk to the society about making a contribution please fill out the form below: