Eleanor Elkins Widener

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Eleanor Elkins Widener (1861 – July 13, 1937) was an American socialite and philanthropist, best known for her contributions to education and the arts. She was a prominent member of the Widener family, one of the wealthiest families in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Early Life

Eleanor Elkins was born in 1861 to William Lukens Elkins, a wealthy businessman and art collector, and his wife, Eliza. She grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where her family was deeply involved in the city's social and cultural life.

Marriage and Family

In 1883, Eleanor married George Dunton Widener, a businessman and member of the influential Widener family. The couple had three children: Harry Elkins Widener, George Dunton Widener Jr., and Eleanor Widener Dixon.

Titanic Tragedy

Eleanor's husband, George, and their eldest son, Harry, perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Eleanor and her younger son, George Jr., survived the disaster. The tragedy profoundly affected Eleanor and led her to dedicate much of her life to philanthropy in memory of her lost family members.

Philanthropy

Eleanor Elkins Widener is perhaps best known for her significant contributions to Harvard University. In memory of her son Harry, she funded the construction of the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, which remains one of the largest and most important libraries in the world. She also made substantial donations to various other educational and cultural institutions, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the American Red Cross.

Later Life and Death

Eleanor continued her philanthropic work throughout her life. She remarried in 1915 to Alexander Hamilton Rice Jr., an explorer and geographer. Eleanor Elkins Widener passed away on July 13, 1937, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and cultural enrichment.

Legacy

Eleanor Elkins Widener's contributions to education and the arts have had a lasting impact. The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library stands as a testament to her dedication to preserving knowledge and supporting academic excellence.

Related Pages

• Widener family
• Harry Elkins Widener
• RMS Titanic
• Harvard University
• Philadelphia Museum of Art