Iona University is set to receive a $1 million donation from renowned book collector Sid Lapidus for its Institute for Thomas Paine Studies (ITPS). The contribution will establish the Lapidus Initiative for Early American Inquiry, aimed at preserving and advancing the study of early American history and the humanities.

The funding will enable ITPS to preserve a collection of memorabilia and artifacts related to Thomas Paine, as well as expand scholarly and student opportunities around the study of the American Revolution. Paine, a Founding Father of the United States, was a philosopher, political theorist, and revolutionary whose work also influenced the French Revolution.

“This generous gift allows the ITPS to further inspire students to understand Paine’s work and apply it to their own paths forward, whether that be in politics, academia or government administration,” said Tricia Mulligan, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “Sid’s past support for world-class historical research institutions puts Iona in a new league of American Revolution studies. Sid has been a supporter and friend to the ITPS over the years. On behalf of Iona, I want to thank him for his commitment and generosity.”

Established in 2011, ITPS is an interdisciplinary organization that supports early American history studies through traditional scholarship as well as new media formats. This includes undergraduate courses, an archival fellowship program, international events, exhibits, and digital humanities projects.

From an early age, Mr. Lapidus was intrigued by Paine's most famous work "Common Sense." Paine’s cottage is located near New Rochelle High School which Mr. Lapidus attended while residing in New Rochelle.

A longtime trustee of the New-York Historical Society, Mr. Lapidus has amassed significant collections of historical materials. A previous donation he made to Iona included a library on Thomas Paine's literature and its influence on revolutionary thought.

“Mr. Lapidus is very interested in using Paine as a gateway figure into understanding the bigger enduring stakes of the origins of American democracy," said ITPS director Nora Slonimsky, Ph.D., "from civic value and knowledge production to what it means to be an informed citizen."

Slonimsky highlighted that Paine was radical in his time for advocating fundamental governmental transformation—a sentiment still relevant today amid political shifts as presidential elections approach.

“This is why Paine is appealing across political spectrums despite polar views,” Slonimsky added. “He resonates with those wanting change or seismic shifts; he argued for what he saw as significant transformation.”

The donation by Sid Lapidus will establish initiatives within ITPS that focus on preserving early American history artifacts while expanding educational opportunities surrounding these critical periods.

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