The Thomson family.

A loyal and generous family creates a family of funds

The Thomson family’s history in Greater Hartford dates back to the early 1800s.  They established Thomson, Fenn and Company as well as Brown Thomson & Co., at one time a major Hartford department store.  Thomsons have also held prominent positions in insurance and financial institutions, and as volunteers at important nonprofit organizations. 

Upon her passing in 1968, Adelaide Lindsay Thomson left a gift to the Hartford Foundation, to support “relief work among weak, aged and poor in the Hartford area.”  Through the power of endowment, her original gift of $25,000 has already made grants totaling $42,000 to programs for the homeless, disabled and the elderly.

Adelaide had volunteered at Hartford Hospital during World War II, and was moved to create a “free bed fund” there, in the hopes that no one go without health care.  Her children, A. Lindsay and Jean, followed her example of concern and generosity.

A. Lindsay established a fund to protect the natural areas of Connecticut and promote the health and strength of character of its citizens through enjoyment of such areas.  He also wanted to support programs that improve the quality of life for the elderly and disabled.  Lindsay had served as a board member and research volunteer at Hartford Hospital. His wife, Emily “Alex” B. Thomson, also created a fund, primarily to support medical research.

Life-changing programs have been supported by both field of interest funds.  In ten years, the A. Lindsay Thomson Fund has helped preserve nearly 600 acres of forest and farmland in our region.  The Emily B. Thomson Fund, through the Foundation’s collaboration with the Donaghue Medical Research Foundation, has enabled research into such areas as maternal genetics, chronic diseases affecting children, and breast cancer.

In 1994, Alex and Lindsay’s five children honored their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary by establishing the Thomson Family Fund.  Grants from the fund support community needs, with a preference for education and literacy programs. 

Quietly, the Thomson family members have been giving a hand up to others in this region whenever they could.  The Hartford Foundation is pleased to help.

Learn more about supporting the community through the Hartford Foundation >>