The staff and Trustees of the Allentown Art Museum are deeply saddened by the passing of Sam Saxton, who had a significant impact on the growth of the Museum’s structure as well as its stature in our community.

Sam B. Saxton, right, with Dr. Martha “Missy” Hutson-Saxton and son Sam H. Saxton at the Museum’s 2016 Gala

Sam served on the committee responsible for financing the Museum’s expansion and was able to secure critical grants for the project through his professional knowledge and business and political associations. The renovations added critical art storage space and dramatically extended the front of the building out to the sidewalk on Fifth Street, giving the Museum a vibrant new façade facing Arts Park. Its modern look gave it instant landmark status and, importantly, positioned it on the cutting edge of the revitalization in downtown Allentown.

Sam’s business savvy was matched by his graciousness, and his broad smile stood out in a crowd, as did his partnership with his wife, Museum Honorary Trustee Dr. Martha “Missy” Hutson-Saxton. The Saxtons, longtime Kress Society members and devoted supporters of the Museum, were honored, together, at our 2016 Gala.

“It was always a pleasure to be around Sam’s joyous and generous spirit. He was a loyal and true friend to all who knew him,” says Michelle R. Stringer, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Sam was a sincere and compassionate gentleman in all ways—he will be greatly missed.”
Samuel Saxton Obituary (1926 – 2021)