|
|  | |
The DeSilver Legacy Society The ACLU Foundation invites you to join the nearly 4,500 ACLU members and supporters who have already created a legacy of liberty by becoming a member of the DeSilver Legacy Society. Founded to honor the foresight of those who have named the ACLU as a beneficiary of their estate plan or have established a life income gift benefiting the ACLU Foundation, the Society commemorates the spirit of leadership shown by Albert and Margaret DeSilver. Albert DeSilver (1888-1924) was an ACLU founding member, associate director, and its chief benefactor during the early years. Educated at Yale University and Columbia Law School, DeSilver was groomed for a place in New York's legal establishment. But alarmed by the U.S. Government's wholesale violations of free speech and persecution of immigrants during World War I, he resigned from his law practice in 1918 to devote himself full-time to defending conscientious objectors, immigrants, and other citizens against unconstitutional treatment. DeSilver even used his own war bonds to post bail for defendants in free speech cases. During his lifetime, DeSilver provided more than half of the ACLU's operating funds on an annual basis, and he extended a standing offer to make up any organizational deficit. After the death of this passionate civil libertarian, DeSilver's legacy continued: his wife Margaret honored Albert's wishes and upheld her own strong convictions by faithfully contributing to the ACLU each year. The personal stake taken by Albert and Margaret DeSilver directly paved the way for the ACLU’s early successes. We invite you join the DeSilver Society by creating your own legacy of liberty. If you've included the ACLU Foundation in your will, living trust, or estate plan, please let us know – we would like to welcome you to The DeSilver Society. DeSilver Legacy Society member benefits:
| | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
