You can help build our collections!
The collections of the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History expand every year by virtue of both purchases and donations of new materials. P.K Yonge is fortunate to have a generous base of supporters and benefactors, who have contributed substantially to building the library. The legacy began with founder Julien Yonge, who gave the core book and manuscript collection of Floridiana to the University of Florida in 1945. The following endowments and donor groups continue Yonge’s vision to promote the study of Florida and to make materials freely available.
Stewards of Florida History are friends of the library who have contributed towards special projects, exhibits, and programs, allowing P.K. Yonge to fulfill its commitment to outreach. Founded by Bessie R. Proctor, Alan L. Proctor, and Michael Gannon, the charter members are Lester Abberger, Cromwell and Shirley Anderson, Mary Ellen Burnett, Mr. and Mrs. John Owen Clark, Robert W. Ganger, Bruce M. Harris, Stumpy Harris, Allen and Delores Lastinger, Mr. and Mrs. Ted C. Prosser, Jr., J. Thomas Touchton, and Wendy Walker.
Funded Digital Projects
Florida and the Civil War was started with funding from Cromwell and Shirley Anderson for the digitization of the James Patton Anderson Papers on the Civil War, donated by Cromwell’s sister, Margaret Anderson Uhler, and a core collection in our online Civil War manuscripts.
The Jerry Chicone Jr. Florida Citrus Crate Level Collection was donated by Mr. Chicone and supported with funding that allowed us to put the entire collection online along with additional resources.
Additional support provided by the William and Sue Goza Fund.
ENDOWMENTS for the P.K. Yonge Library
The Dr. William and Joan Mendenhall Book Fund in Florida History
This endowment, the very first to support the P.K. Yonge Library, provides underwriting for the purchase of new books and rare materials for the collections. It allows the library to expand its holdings and to keep current with new areas of research.
The Todd C. Prosser Memorial and Ted C. Prosser III Book Endowment in Florida History
Of core support for the P.K. Yonge Library, this endowment is responsible for ongoing acquisitions of books, manuscripts, and rare items that lend uniqueness to our holdings. The library could not function without it.
The Sydney O. and Joshua C. Chase Endowment
First established to support the Cecilia L. Johnson Travel Grant for Visiting Graduate Scholars, this endowment now underwrites the Chase Family Award for Visiting Graduate Scholars, a competitive travel award open to graduate students from around the country who wish to conduct research at the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History.
Florida Agricultural History Endowment
This endowment provides a range of support for the library’s extensive collections related to citrus culture, livestock and poultry raising, farming, migrant labor, changing patterns of agriculture, and agriculture and the environment. Processing and digitization of collections, periodicals, and other materials is ongoing.
Michael Gannon Endowment
Established in honor of the university’s pre-eminent professor of Florida history and best-selling author on World War II, this endowment reminds us of Dr. Michael Gannon’s leadership as a teacher, scholar, and advocate for the importance of history in our lives. Funds are dedicated to sponsoring an annual speaker on a topic in either Florida history or the history of World War II.