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When Edward Hopkins came to the colonies in 1635, known in England as “foreign plantations” he was a leading citizen in England. He was the first attorney in Connecticut, bought land for investment, and was successful in the fur trade. After serving as a magistrate to the General Court he was elected Governor of Connecticut in 1640 and served several subsequent terms. In 1652 he returned to England after being appointed a Commissioner of the Navy by Cromwell. His tenure in the colonies had influenced him greatly, however, particularly his relationship with the New Haven Divine, the Reverend John Davenport. It was in conversations with Davenport that the idea of a school in the colonies was first broached. Latin and Greek were necessary for admission to university both at Harvard College and abroad.
After Edward Hopkins returned to England his friend Reverend John Davenport wrote him to ask for his assistance. Davenport requested that Hopkins set aside money for the establishment of a School in the newly settled plantations. Hopkins took action immediately upon receiving Davenport's request, and he left instructions in his will for monies to be set aside to establish a school in the “foreign plantations” for the “breeding up of hopeful youths...for the publique service to the country in future tymes.” When Hopkins passed away and his estate was settled, £ 412 was entrusted to Reverend John Davenport to begin a school in New Haven. In 1660, Edward Hopkins, the second Governor of the Connecticut colony, established our nation's first charitable trust to found Hopkins Grammar School on the New Haven Green.
The impact of this gift has been truly significant. When John Davenport was called to Boston he left the School in the independent hands of a Committee of Trustees who still guide Hopkins in its development. The modest income from the gift provided a small stipend for the Headmaster and allowed the School to continue even during very lean years. Hopkins is the third oldest independent school in the country. The School been operating since 1660, and has retained as its historic mission, “the breeding up of hopeful youths...for the publique service of the country in future tymes.” Congressmen, doctors, lawyers, Yale Presidents, and civil activists all had their start at Hopkins and are the embodiment of Hopkins' mission.
The realization of Edward Hopkins wishes in the creation and continuation of Hopkins School has truly been an ongoing legacy to New Haven and is a fine example of how powerful making a difference in the lives that follow can be.
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