Remembering The Ringling: A Story of Giving to a Childhood Love

Hudson Smith, an avid photographer and lover of the arts, left a legacy gift to The Ringling so future generations can enjoy all it has to offer.

Hudson Smith and his wife, Anne, have been Circle members at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art for 10 years. After a degree in chemical engineering and a prominent career in the phosphate industry that included travel around the world, Hudson and Anne retired to Venice, Florida, in 2006. There, Hudson was finally able to put a lot of time into his hobbies of traveling and photography. After every trip, he curates a photograph book documenting their incredible journey.

In 2011, after amassing a considerable collection of photographs of Venice, Florida, Hudson completed a book on the city and sold around 400 copies to city government, locals, and travelers. However, his love of photography and appreciation of the arts is not exactly what led him to The Ringling Museum. Like many, his relationship with The Ringling began long ago, with the circus.

Harnessed elephants stand before crowds circa 1950s. In the background is the big top canvas stretched out across the ground with side poles positioned.
Photo Credit: Tibbals Circus Collection of Allen J. Lester Papers

One of Hudson’s fondest childhood memories is when his grandfather would take him to see The Ringling Brothers Circus in Illinois. “I remember being a little kid and my grandfather would take me to see the circus every summer when it came through his little town,” Hudson says. “We would get up early in the morning to watch them set up the tent. It was such a spectacle to watch the elephants helping to raise the tent poles. We would come back for the circus show at night, and after the show we’d stay late to watch the tent drop.”

In 2020, while revising his original estate plan, Hudson decided that he wanted to do something in honor of that memory. He decided to leave an incredible legacy gift to The Ringling for $1 million from his IRA. This generous gift will benefit the Circus Museum, the Bayfront Gardens, and Ca’ d’Zan.

On a sandy lot, a working elephant is assisting with the set-up of the big top. Spectators are standing at the stakeline, 1952.
Photo Credit: Tibbals Circus Collection of Allen J. Lester Papers

“The Ringling adds so much value to the community,” Hudson says. “It has wonderful support from Florida State University, and leaving this gift ensures future generations can enjoy it. On a national level, The Ringling is also such a valuable and distinctive place to visit. It is important to preserve its legacy. Hopefully my story will inspire someone to give as well.”

It is easy to understand why the Circus Museum at The Ringling is so special to Hudson, and why leaving a planned gift to the museum has brought him joy.

For additional information on how to give a gift from your IRA or to learn more about giving to The Ringling through your will or estate plan, please contact Michelle A. Young at 941-358-2611 or michelle.young@ringling.fsu.edu.