History

The Chipstone Foundation was organized in 1965 by Stanley Stone and Polly Mariner Stone of Fox Point, Wisconsin. Representing the culmination of their shared experiences in collecting American furniture, American historical prints, and early English pottery, the Foundation was created with the dual purpose of preserving and interpreting their collection and stimulating research and education in the decorative arts. The Stones began collecting American decorative arts in 1946, and by 1964 it became apparent to them that provisions should be made to deal with their collection. With the counsel of their friend, Professor Charles Montgomery, the Stones decided that their collection should be published and eventually broadly exhibited both at public venues and, to the extent feasible, at their Fox Point residence.

Following Stanley Stone's death in 1987, the Foundation was activated by an initial endowment provided by Mrs. Stone. Their grant allowed the Foundation to institute its research and grant programs, to begin work on three collection catalogues, to launch the publication of an important new journal. American Furniture, devoted to the continued scholarly review of the field and to commence planning for the utilization of the Stone residence to advance its overall mission. That mission is articulated in the Foundation's Statement of Purpose