Nancy Akers Wallace
Mint Museum

Nancy Akers Wallace and her husband, Mason, cared deeply for the community they called home and demonstrated their affection for Charlotte in many ways. A devoted mother of four and grandmother to eight, Nancy was a dedicated volunteer who generously gave her time to several local nonprofits. Her understated philanthropy reflected a sense of humility shared with her husband.

Of the many organizations that benefited from her hard work and devotion, Nancy kept a special place in her heart for the Mint Museum. An established artist in her own right, Nancy saw the Mint Museum as the cornerstone of Charlotte’s cultural community so much so that she remembered the institution in her estate plan. In 2008, the Mint received Nancy Wallace's bequest of more than $5 million – making it the largest bequest in the Museum’s 75-year history. Given Nancy’s penchant for quiet philanthropy, the magnitude of this gift surprised many. But to many others, it was simply another selfless gesture from someone who let her actions speak for her.