Description
When Lawrence W. "Bill" Towner joined the Newberry in 1962 as President and Librarian, precisely at the moment of its 75th birthday, he inherited an institution that his predecessor, Stanley Pargellis, had transformed over the previous two decades: the collection had tripled in size, numerous fellowships and conferences had been inaugurated, and the august building at 60 West Walton had just undergone its first major renovation. As a result, Towner inherited an endowment that had begun to show its age, and he quickly realized that his tenure would be the first for which major fundraising would be required to ensure the Newberry's future and, indeed, present.
This presentation tells the story of Towner's first five years at the Newberry, focusing on the 1965-66 debut of the Newberry Library Associates, the library's first individual giving program (celebrating its 60th anniversary this year). A critical impetus for the Associates was the Library's landmark purchase of the Louis H. Silver Collection in 1964, which enhanced the collection immeasurably but came at a cost of $2.69 million that wasn't exactly just lying around. Contextual attention is paid to local peer organizations, especially our perennial neighbor the Museum of Contemporary Art, opening in 1967 and engaging in a near-simultaneous debut campaign of individual solicitation.
About the Speaker
Rob Onorato is the Newberry's Director of Individual Giving, collaborating with the full Development staff to raise over $2 million in unrestricted funds annually. His previous development experience includes work with the Adler Planetarium and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, and he's passionate about applying knowledge of fundraising's history to contemporary strategies in arts and culture and humanities fundraising. In his off hours, he teaches in the Newberry's Adult Education program on topics ranging from postwar gay poets to the history of disco.
About Colloquium
Colloquium is a weekly series of talks featuring staff, fellows, and scholars who are working with the library’s vast collections. These events bring together experts from various fields to share their research on a wide range of topics, followed by an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and engage in conversation.
Colloquium is open to the public and offers a chance to explore fascinating ideas and new discoveries. No advance registration is required.