Abby Aldrich Rockefeller
- Born:
- October 26, 1874, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Died:
- April 5, 1948, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Philanthropist, Art Patron, Collector
Early Life and Education
- Daughter of Senator Nelson W. Aldrich and Abigail Pearce Truman Chapman Aldrich.
- Received private education fitting for a woman of her social standing.
- Developed an early interest in art and social issues.
Marriage and Family
- Married John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1901.
- Mother of six children: Abby Rockefeller Mauzé, John D. Rockefeller III, Nelson Rockefeller, Laurance Rockefeller, Winthrop Rockefeller, and David Rockefeller.
Career and Major Achievements
- Significant contributions to philanthropic causes, often independently of her husband.
- Instrumental in the establishment of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City in 1929, becoming a key benefactor and collector.
- Supported the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, playing a crucial role in its development as a living history museum.
- Championed folk art, amassing a substantial collection that she later donated.
- Served on the board of the YWCA.
Notable Works
- Extensive collection of American folk art, now housed primarily at Colonial Williamsburg.
- Contributions to the founding and early development of the Museum of Modern Art, including gifting important works of art to the museum's collection.
Legacy and Impact
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller's legacy lies in her pioneering role as an art patron and philanthropist. Her dedication to modern art and folk art, along with her support for educational and historical preservation projects, significantly shaped cultural institutions and promoted artistic appreciation in the United States. This is a concise account of the many facts about Abby Aldrich Rockefeller biography.