In 1877, Lord Acton delivered two addresses to a room of scholars and religious leaders, entitled History of Freedom in Antiquity and History of Freedom in Christianity. These speeches typify his life’s work a as champion of liberty. In them, Acton traces the history of freedom through ancient cultures to the Christianity of the Middle Ages. In doing so, he references the turning point for liberty in Athens, "Government by consent superseded government by compulsion, and the pyramid which had stood on a point was made to stand upon its base." The 1877 Legacy Society represents the base of this "pyramid of liberty." It is comprised of those individuals that wish to support the ideas of freedom and virtue and are committed to preserving them for the future.

Eligibility Information

Everyone notifying the Acton Institute of their intent to remember us with their estate planning is eligible for membership in our 1877 Legacy Society.

Membership includes, but is not limited to:

• A bequest through your will or living trust
• Designating the Institute as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, retirement account, Checking, Savings or other accounts
• Participating in our monthly giving program
• Making a gift of one of your appreciated assets
• Establishing a charitable gift annuity
• Participating in our Corporate Matching Gift program
• Establishing a charitable trust

Benefits of Membership in 1877 Legacy Society:

• Complimentary copy of History of Liberty. The book contains copies of the speeches for which the society is named
• A commemorative Lord Acton coin
• Invitations to 1877 Legacy Society events
• You will also receive special lectures and events on DVD