Mattatuck Museum Receives Largest Single Gift In Its History

WATERBURY — Orton P. Camp, Jr, the retired chairman of the board of Platt Pros. & Co., has given The Mattatuck Museum more than $500,000 for its endowment fund. The gift represents the largest single gift in the museum’s history and signals Mr Camp’s confidence in the museum’s future along with his recognition of the importance of the museum’s work in the community.

The gift also crowns a tradition of outstanding generosity: for nearly half a century, Mr Camp has supported and guided the museum in inspired ways, making it possible for the museum to evolve into one of New England’s finest community museums.

Mr Camp was elected to the museum’s council as a permanent director in 1958. He is currently chairman emeritus. Over the years, he served as president, vice president and chairman of a number of influential committees, including the Main Museum Committee, Capital Campaign Committee (co-chair), Building Committee, Bridge Campaign, Long Range Planning Committee, Development Committee and Kendrick Society.

Mr Camp has been a keen supporter of the museum’s collections, as well. Over the decades he has brought historical treasures to the museum saved from his family’s 200 years of experience in Waterbury.

Mr Camp’s service and philanthropy have also extended to include the Riverside Cemetery Association, a historical and archaeological treasure in Waterbury, The Taft School, where he served as a trustee, and the YMCA.

The original Platt family, of which Mr Camp is a direct descendent, purchased property along the Naugatuck River in 1797 to build a future family enterprise. Platt Bros. & Co. is a result of that effort. Mr Camp retired from the company in March 1999 after 50 years of service including 29 years as its board chairman. Mr Camp is continuing his service to the company as a senior advisor.

Mr Camp is a graduate of The Taft School and Yale University. He was a lieutenant in the US Army’s Field Artillery having served in Europe and was later recalled to serve in the Korean War.