Notable New Orleanians: A Tricentennial Tribute

two family members or friends, at
no cost.
The Object Project at the
Smithsonian, which debuted in
2015, is yet another example of the
Foundation’s conviction that learning
is a lifelong experience, and that it
can be pursued in a wide variety of
ways. It mimics the vast array of
interests Taylor had in his life. He
was an early skydiver, did rodeo in
college, ran power boat races, and
hunted in Africa and other countries.
At his ranch in Mississippi, he
developed a state-of-the-art cattle
operation, which included “on-the-ranch”
embryo transfer and the breeding of various
exotic animals.
The project was launched when the
Foundation donated $7.5 million—located
in the Smithsonian National Museum of
American History, in its renovated west wing,
now dubbed the Innovation Wing. A true
hands-on exhibit, the Patrick F. Taylor
Foundation Object Project features “everyday
things that changed everything.” Over 250 different
objects—everything from appliances,
clothing, toys, games—invite the public to discover
living history in a fun, interactive manner.
Educational in the best sense, the Object
Project invites participants to observe and
think about the many ways in which innovation
has been connected to society and its
ever-changing needs over time.
Harking back to Taylor’s days in the United
States Marine Corps PLC Officer Training
Program, and his subsequent unwavering
support for the United States Armed Forces, the
Taylors have worked for over thirty years in
support of the United States Marine Corps
Reserve Toys for Tots program. As part of
this program, Christmas cards and Toys for
Tots ornaments are sent to their colleagues
in the community, letting them know a
donation has been made in their behalf to
Toys for Tots and encouraging them to
donate unwrapped toys to the program.
These are collected at the Foundation building,
and then picked up and distributed by
the Marines throughout the community, to
less fortunate children of all ages.
In surveying the legacy of Patrick F. Taylor,
and the Foundation, which Taylor and his
wife started over thirty years ago, the magnitude
of its achievement is remarkable. The
sheer scope of their involvement in the betterment
of their community becomes extremely
difficult to quantify. It is instructive to note
that, in addition to the numerous programs
discussed above, the Foundation has also
worked with or helped to support such vital
civic projects as the Riverfront Streetcar
Project, United Way for the Greater New
Orleans Area “Success By 6” early education
program, WRBH radio, the Louisiana
Endowment for the Humanities, the New
Orleans Jazz Market, Water Innovation:
Reducing Hypoxia, Restoring Our Water, the
National World War II Museum, and the
Greater New Orleans Foundation.
The legacy of Taylor truly serves as an
enduring reminder of the power of education
and continues to have a significant impact
through the work of the Foundation.
Above: Patrick and Phyllis Taylor, United
States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for
Tots Program.
QUALITY OF LIFE
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