Table <strong>of</strong> ContentsI. About the Legacy Project . . . . . . 3-4II. Progress Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7III. Collaborations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9IV. Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15V. Facts, Figures, Future . . . . . . . . . 16-18<strong>Dietrich</strong> <strong>von</strong> <strong>Hildebrand</strong>, circa 1939<strong>Dietrich</strong> <strong>von</strong> <strong>Hildebrand</strong> Legacy Projectwww.hildebrandlegacy.orgJohn Henry Crosby, Founder & DirectorAnnual ReportProducer: Christopher T. HaleyDesigner: C. Ryan GlennEditors: Justin Keena, Dylan NaegeleContact InformationEmail: info@hildebrandlegacy.orgPhone: 703 . 496 . 7821Fax: 703 . 740 . 8757Support the <strong>Dietrich</strong> <strong>von</strong> <strong>Hildebrand</strong> Legacy ProjectOnline Donations Securities Bequestswww.hildebrandlegacy.org/donors2 ANNUAL REPORT
Message from the DirectorMy friends,Growing up, my father would delight and instruct his children with inventedstories <strong>of</strong> the wily “Pr<strong>of</strong>. Ybsorc and his sons” (and later his daughters, too), whowould solve mysterious crimes through quick wit, daring, and what now seemsa fairly passing respect for the laws <strong>of</strong> gravity. My father successfully conveyedmany important ideas and ideals through these finely crafted stories (and onlyas we grew older did we recognize the artfulness <strong>of</strong> his cover for having run out<strong>of</strong> plot: “and what happens next is the subject <strong>of</strong> tomorrow’s story.”). One idealthat I trace to these stories—and which I esteem greatly when I encounter it inothers—is the boldness that is inseparable from all true nobility and magnanimity. Pr<strong>of</strong>. Ybsorc loved aphorisms, andhardly a story went by without some formulation <strong>of</strong> the maxim apocryphally attributed to Cato: “He who hesitates islost.” While surely <strong>of</strong>ten intended to rouse sluggish teenagers to complete their chores, these words, inseparable fromthe immortal Pr<strong>of</strong>. Ybsorc, will forever have to me the sound <strong>of</strong> a battle cry.I cannot help remembering that maxim as I survey the current position <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Dietrich</strong> <strong>von</strong> <strong>Hildebrand</strong> Legacy Project.<strong>The</strong>re have been many occasions for hesitation along the way. Nine years ago, starting a non-pr<strong>of</strong>it to translateand promote the little-known philosophical works <strong>of</strong> a German author primarily associated with religious writingsseemed bold to say the least—indeed, “crazy” was the more common expression. But we did not hesitate; and we arevery far from being lost. On account <strong>of</strong> a vibrant and responsive audience, the Legacy Project has found a sure andsteady way, and we are now on the cusp <strong>of</strong> a significant period <strong>of</strong> transformation.After many years <strong>of</strong> steady growth, during which our programs have multiplied while our staff has not, we havefinally outgrown ourselves. Burgeoning programs in translation, conferences, events, and our new integrated websiteand publishing initiative provide more work than even the most dedicated small staff can manage. Our success hasnow outpaced our means. And so, in the spirit <strong>of</strong> Cato and Pr<strong>of</strong>. Ybsorc, we have not hesitated in developing a boldplan to increase our staff, programs, and resources going forward.Our daring has already paid <strong>of</strong>f in securing from some <strong>of</strong> our most ardent supporters a number <strong>of</strong> multi-year pledgesthat will provide us a secure foundation upon which to build. <strong>The</strong>se pledges will allow us to invest in the mostimportant asset <strong>of</strong> all: people.For much <strong>of</strong> the Legacy Project’s existence I have <strong>of</strong>ten had to manage many <strong>of</strong> its programs by myself. I have beenfortunate to receive invaluable help along the way from friends, family, and above all from two dear colleagues,Anthony Gualandri, who served as Director <strong>of</strong> Special Programs and from Kathleen McCann, our first ManagingEditor and Director <strong>of</strong> Programs. Our successes are largely due to a small number <strong>of</strong> devoted people working wellbeyond what could reasonably be asked <strong>of</strong> anyone; but at no point could it have been said that we had enough people.And it is people who make all the difference. For example, the recent addition <strong>of</strong> Christopher Haley as our firstDirector <strong>of</strong> Communications has allowed us in a short time to turn distant ideas, such as our own publishing houseand a new website, into distinct realities. In 2013, we will double that investment by hiring at least two new peopleto fill two newly created positions. After years <strong>of</strong> being understaffed, we are on our way to assembling the team <strong>of</strong>people necessary to lead the Legacy Project to a new level <strong>of</strong> flourishing.<strong>The</strong> addition <strong>of</strong> new people will transform the Legacy Project not only quantitatively, as we will be able to double andtriple our production in certain programs, but also qualitatively, as new people bring new ideas, talents, and theirown characters, which will help shape the future <strong>of</strong> the Legacy Project. We are not talking just about new programs,but new horizons.Looking back over the many years which have brought us to this point, I am thankful for the boldness that so many<strong>of</strong> you have demonstrated in supporting the Legacy Project thus far, and I hope you will not hesitate to continue yoursupport, as we enter into a transformative 2013.Yours faithfully,John Henry CrosbyFounder & DirectorANNUAL REPORT3
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