PURPOSE

The Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust is responsible for managing the literary estate of Henri J.M. Nouwen and protecting the copyright on all Nouwen works. Its purpose is to manage all publishing relationships for Nouwen’s literary catalogue, provide support to scholars in the publication of new works related to Nouwen, and to provide ongoing care for his legacy, including his published, unpublished and personal materials housed in the Henri J.M. Nouwen Research and Archive Collection.

In addition to promoting interest in Henri Nouwen and all the literary property, the essential responsibilities of the Trust involve:

  • Supporting researchers, scholars and authors working to publish new Nouwen material

  • Allowing qualified persons access to literary property that may be made available

  • Granting written permission to copy, publish or exhibit the literary property

  • Managing relationships with Nouwen publishers

  • Making all contracts for the copyright and general promotion of the literary property

  • Supporting major publishing projects and ensuring contract stipulations are met

  • Supporting archival projects such as digitization, online accessibility, translation of Dutch materials, and materials storage, protection, and preservation

  • Taking immediate action against infringement upon any of the Trust’s property rights or if anyone tries to unduly capitalize commercially on Nouwen’s life, reputation, or works

HISTORY

The Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust (HNLT) was created through a Trust Deed in 2008 by Sr. Sue Mosteller, then the Literary Executrix of the Henri Nouwen Literary estate. At that time, she donated the majority of Nouwen’s literary papers, manuscripts, and other personal items to St. Michael’s College of the University of Toronto to form the Henri J.M. Nouwen Research and Archive Collection.

The Collection opened on September 21, 2000, within the John M. Kelly Library at the University of St. Michael’s College. The Archives immediately became the international centre for Nouwen studies. Since then, more than 800 researchers have made use of its vast holdings.