A grant of $250,000 from The Schenectady Foundation to enhance the Special Collections area of Schaffer Library will give local residents greater access to archival and manuscript materials.
The grant is the largest ever made by the Schenectady Foundation, according to Robert Carreau, secretary of the Foundation. The grant comes as Union embarks on a substantial renovation and expansion of its library.
“This is an ambitious renovation and expansion project which will substantially
benefit Union College and the community,” Carreau said. “We are delighted to
play a role in helping to support this tremendous community asset.”
The College's Special Collections area contains a number of rare books, manuscripts and
other items which relate to the history of the College and the local community. Special
Collections — with more than 350 manuscript and archival collections — is popular among
exhibit curators, scientific writers, genealogists, students and teachers.
“Throughout its 201-year history, Union has taken pride in its close association
with the City and County of Schenectady,” said Union President Roger H. Hull.
“We are pleased that The Schenectady Foundation has chosen to further that
association by helping Union to share its historical resources with the community.”
The Schenectady Foundation, a public charitable trust, was established in 1963 to serve
the philanthropic needs of the Schenectady area. The Foundation seeks to assist and
promote the welfare of Schenectady County by funding charitable, scientific, cultural and
educational projects.