Research

Administrative History

Chapter 120 of the Laws of 1814 provided for the institution of a lottery for "the promotion of literature and other purposes." The act listed specific appropriations for educational purposes to be funded by the proceeds of the lottery. Specific causes to be funded included completion of ongoing construction and expansion of library and science facilities at Union College; creation of a fund to be used by the trustees of Union College for the relief of indigent students; establishment of a school by the Asbury African Church in New York City; provision of copies of the revised laws and legislative journals to the New York Historical Society at no cost; creation of an endowment for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the City of New York; allocation of funds to Hamilton College; and appropriation of land for the relocation of Columbia College in New York City.

The act also provided for the creation of a committee of managers to administer the lottery and required the trustees of the various colleges receiving appropriations to report annually to the Board of Regents regarding the expenditure of said funds.