The name Scripps is widely known in San Diego County. E.W. Scripps and Ellen Browning Scripps stand at the root of many famed and generously funded institutions such as the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Scripps Research Institute, and Scripps Memorial Hospital. E.W. Scripps built his 2,100-acre Scripps Ranch in 1891 and is now one of San Diego’s prominent bedroom communities. He further went on to found the E.W. Scripps Company which is centralized in Cincinnati and owns 21 newspapers, ten television stations and six cable channels including the ever-popular HGTV.
Ellen Browning Scripps lived a less boisterous life and supported causes without using the family name. Ellen contributed to La Jolla landmarks such as Bishop’s School, public library, & the Children’s Pool, the Torrey Pines State Preserve, Scripps Aviary at the San Diego Zoo along with an animal research hospital & funding for lions, tigers, and bears. Ellen’s La Jolla home was the founding point of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Ellen also founded the Scripps Memorial Hospital, bringing her contributions well into the millions. Ellen Browning Scripps was known for her generosity, not publicity, and had strong interest in health care, education, children, animals, and the environment.
The Scripps name has a powerful presence within San Diego County and descendants continue traditions of giving, but more on private terms. The Scripps legacy has come so far to have head-started leading research facilities and care centers, natural preserves, and animal welfare programs. Now future generations of any name can contribute to institutions that bear a name that will long represent faith and of good will.
