Dear all,

It would be wonderful if you all would consider donating to the SHEAR250 capital campaign when you renew your membership. As you know, we would like to double our endowment to mark not only the 250th anniversary of the founding the American Republic but also the approaching 50th anniversary of the founding of SHEAR in 2027. This is an ambitious goal, but it would take care of many our recurring financial challenges on a permanent basis. We would be able to fund our DEI fellowships, the travel grants that we are considering, as well as our book prizes. I hope you will consider giving whatever you are able to do over and above your membership dues for SHEAR.

I personally commit to match all donations to SHEAR250 up to ten thousand dollars for 2026. I hope this will jump start the SHEAR250 campaign and that we can get closer to doubling our endowment by the time we celebrate the 50th year of the founding of SHEAR. In these challenging times, I cannot think of a better way to uphold values we all hold dear by supporting organizations like SHEAR that sustain us. Wishing you and your families all the best for the holidays and the New Year.

Manisha Sinha

Draper Chair in American History

University of Connecticut