University of Guelph Library
Hungerford Estate Library Fund
This endowment, established in 1997, recognizes Richard and Sophia Hungerford's outstanding commitment to higher education. Richard B. Hungerford was a prominent Guelph lawyer and inaugural member of the U of G Board of Governors. His estate gift supports library acquisitions that benefit Guelph researchers, students and faculty from many disciplines. The fund has purchased more than 500 items over the past 10 years, including:
- historical books, manuscripts, maps, and atlases
- electronic archives, and
- licences that allow documentary and feature films to be shown on campus to support curricular needs.
174 rare books, manuscript items and posters were purchased in 2006-2007 alone.
A complete electronic archive of The Scotsman newspaper (1817-1950) at a cost of nearly £30,000 GBP, and a series of postcards written by playwright George Bernard Shaw are among the acquisition highlights.
Mrs. Sophia Buckinham Hungerford, a distinguished sculptor, also made a treasured gift to the University in 1996 when she donated a bust of J.D. MacLachlan, the founding president of the University of Guelph.
In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the Hungerford bequest, the University of Guelph has installed the MacLachlan bust in a place of honour on the first floor of the McLaughlin Building overlooking Johnston Green with a plaque that recognizes the Hungerfords' generosity.
Learn more about endowments and other ways to give to the Library.