A Legacy of Love, Laughter, and Largesse

Joyce and Harold Buckingham were a warm and lively presence in our halls over many decades. As people of deep faith and lifelong music lovers, they found a cultural home here in a way that speaks to the heart of The Bushnell’s mission. They were ever-present and enthusiastic patrons of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, The Bushnell Broadway Series, and innumerable other events on our stages over the years, sharing the joy they found in their experiences with other patrons and friends in the community.

Joyce and Hal did not limit their involvement to being audience members. Over the past 30 years, each volunteered their time with us, making a distinct imprint on our history. Joyce served on our Board of Ambassadors beginning in 1994, enhancing The Bushnell’s relationship with our community in a deeply thoughtful and passionate way. In the same time period, Hal helped us launch our planned giving program. Bringing his expertise as a trusts and estates attorney to the task, as well as an infectious sense of humor, he helped steer us toward a brighter future.

As a couple, they were generous to us throughout the years, faithfully supporting our Annual Fund, as well as participating in special fundraising campaigns and events. Each made a legacy gift to The Bushnell, choosing to make a gift in a will in one case and designating The Bushnell as a charitable beneficiary of a retirement plan in the other.

While every single gift from this wonderful couple has been deeply important to us, perhaps the most meaningful for them was the “secret” gift that Hal made when he dedicated a grand piano at The Bushnell in Joyce’s name in honor of her birthday! This was a complete shock to Joyce when it was revealed at a special dinner in the Seaverns Room, and it delighted Hal to no end that he was able to pull off such a surprise for the occasion.

The Buckinghams were raised in families who valued community service and philanthropy, becoming steeped in that tradition as children. Through their individual and joint involvement with many charitable organizations over the years, including Hartwick College, Hands On Hartford, and Hartford Seminary, they carried these values throughout their lives.

However, and wherever, you choose to leave your legacy, may it be accompanied by a lifetime of laughter and enjoyment with those people and places that mean the most to you.

Like the Buckinghams, you too can ensure The Bushnell continues to enrich, illuminate, and delight future generations with a gift in your estate. Contact Ellen Nattila at (860) 987-6071 or enattila@bushnell.org to learn more about the giving option that works best for your goals.