The 1829 Legacy Society

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Our purpose is to provide resources to encourage intellectual, cultural, and social engagement through literacy and independent thinking.

Join the 1829 Legacy Society

Support the Claverack Free Library for Generations to Come

In 1829, 25 forward-thinking neighbors each contributed five dollars to establish a “good library” for the people of Claverack. Their shared vision gave rise to what we now know as the Claverack Free Library – a place that has grown alongside our community for nearly two centuries.

Now, you can continue that legacy of generosity by becoming a founding member of the 1829 Legacy Society, a group of donors who are shaping the future of our library through planned giving.

What Is Planned Giving?

Planned giving allows you to make a meaningful contribution to the Claverack Free Library — either now or through your estate — while also supporting your personal financial goals. Gifts may be made during your lifetime or as part of your legacy.

Ways to Give Now
Make an immediate impact with a gift to the Claverack Free Library Endowment Fund:

  • Cash donations
  • Appreciated securities, such as stock
  • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from an IRA (if you are age 70½ or older)

These options can provide tax advantages while supporting the library today.

Ways to Give Later
Ensure your values live on with a future gift:

  • A bequest in your will
  • A percentage of your estate
  • A beneficiary designation from a retirement account or other asset

We offer sample language for your will and a simple bequest intention form to make planning your gift straightforward and stress-free. You can revise your plans at any time — we’ll work with you to ensure your wishes are honored.

Claverack Free Library Bequest Intention Form


Become a Founding Member: Make Your Intent Known by March 31, 2026

Anyone who notifies us of their intention to leave a legacy gift or makes a qualifying gift to the Endowment Fund by March 31, 2026, will be recognized as a founding member of the 1829 Legacy Society.

If you’ve already included the Claverack Free Library in your estate plans, we’d love to celebrate your generosity. Please reach out and let us know — your gift will inspire others to follow in your footsteps.

Help us write the next chapter.
By joining the 1829 Legacy Society, you ensure that the library remains a vital part of our community — a welcoming, creative, and resource-rich hub for generations to come.

For more information, please contact:
Kelly Sweet at ksweet@berkshiretaconic.org or call 413.717.7036 x118.

The Claverack Free Library Endowment Fund is a fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.