Montana photographer leaves 480 acres, $1 million gift to fund Alzheimer’s research in hometown after his death

A Montana-born photographer who spent much of his adult life in Seattle has left behind an unusual legacy, 480 acres of farmland worth an estimated $1 million, now earmarked to support Alzheimer's research in his hometown. According to an announcement by the Weissman Hood Institute, Arnold Swanberg, who died in October 2024, bequeathed two parcels of agricultural land to the research institute in Great Falls, Montana.

In 2026, the donation is drawing attention for the role it could play in advancing research into Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.Swanberg's will reportedly specified that the land should be held as an endowment to fund Alzheimer's research, ensuring that the farmland would continue contributing to the community long after his death. The institute estimates the combined value of the two parcels at approximately $1 million, making it one of the largest donations in its history.Why did Swanberg leave his farmland to a research institute?Born in Great Falls in 1948, Swanberg spent most of his adult life in Seattle, Washington.