Was Belle da Costa Greene a real person?

Was Belle da Costa Greene a real person?

Belle da Costa Greene (1879–1950) was one of the most prominent librarians in American history. Greener (1844–1922), Belle Greene (named Belle Marion Greener at birth) grew up in a predominantly African American community in Washington, DC.

When did Belle da Costa Greene reveal her identity?

Before her death in 1950, Greene destroyed her personal papers. But she could not erase the birth certificate identifying her as “colored.” Nearly 50 years later, historian Jean Strouse, author of “Morgan: American Financier,” revealed the truth in her definitive 1999 biography.

Is the book the personal librarian based on a true story?

Inspired by true events, “The Personal Librarian,” by Pittsburgh native Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, brings to life the lost story of Belle da Costa Greene, personal librarian to J.P. Morgan, one of the most powerful men of the early 20th century.

Who owns the Morgan library?

In 1924, eleven years after Pierpont Morgan’s death, J. P. Morgan, Jr. (1867–1943) transferred ownership of the Library to a board of trustees along with an endowment of $1.5 million to provide for its maintenance.

What was wrong with JP Morgan’s nose?

When he was a young man, the Wall Street tycoon was afflicted with acne rosacea, a skin condition that left his nose the color and texture of a strawberry. A constant traveler, Morgan had sought medical help in every section of the world.

Who was JP Morgans personal librarian?

Belle da Costa Greene
But shortly after his death, Morgan’s personal librarian, a woman named Belle da Costa Greene, convinced J.P. Morgan’s son, Jack Morgan, to make the library a gift to New York City.

Who was JP Morgan’s personal librarian?

He did it all with the idea of enjoying his collection privately. But shortly after his death, Morgan’s personal librarian, a woman named Belle da Costa Greene, convinced J.P. Morgan’s son, Jack Morgan, to make the library a gift to New York City.

Did Belle da Costa Greene ever married?

Personal life. Greene never married. Her mother, Genevieve, lived with her for decades and Greene played an active role in raising her nephew Robert Mackenzie Leveridge, who had been born in her home. In 1913, J. P. Morgan left Greene $50,000 (equivalent to $1,300,000 in 2020) in his will.

Who was JP Morgan’s second wife?

Frances Tracy Morganm. 1865–1913
Amelia Sturgesm. 1861–1862
J. P. Morgan/Wife
His second wife, Frances Louisa Tracy, bore him three daughters and a son, but she disapproved of his extravagance… In the eighteen-eighties, he began to keep the Atlantic between himself and his wife…