“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”
In 1831, Yale issued an innovative charitable gift annuity in exchange for John Trumbull’s best paintings of George Washington and the American Revolution. The planner driving the complex gift negotiations was Yale scientist Benjamin Silliman. The annuity contract was drafted by attorney Peter Jay, son of John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the United States. Annuity payments were financed by selling tickets to America’s first college art gallery.
Gift Planning History 