Tales of Timothy Hopkins: City Father and University Godfather
Date and time
Location
Palo Alto Art Center
1313 Newell Rd Palo Alto, CA 94303Description
Free and open to the public. Priority registration for the Stanford Historical Society, Palo Alto Historical Association and Menlo Park Historical Association members.
Speaker: Steve Staiger, Palo Alto City Historian
In 1885, Timothy Hopkins, at 26, was the youngest university trustee appointed to the newly born Leland Stanford Junior University. Over the next 50 years, he became one of the university’s most steadfast and generous supporters. His life, as a close friend of the Stanford family, as well as campus benefactor, Palo Alto founder, and Menlo Park resident, is a fascinating story of a man whose inherited wealth and position allowed him to make many contributions to the university and its neighbors. Yet, despite having his name on Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station, many aspects of his life are unfamiliar. Palo Alto historian and former Stanford Historical Society board member Steve Staiger will explore episodes of Hopkins’ life and contributions to our Mid-Peninsula communities.
This event is cosponsored with the Palo Alto Historical Association and the Menlo Park Historical Association.
Organized by
Founded in 1976, the Stanford Historical Society (SHS) welcomes anyone with or without Stanford affiliation to join as a member. The society provides its members and supporters access to authentic Stanford stories, offering opportunities for preserving and sharing the university’s legacy and celebrating its history.