Harry Elkins Widener

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Harry Elkins Widener (January 3, 1885 – April 15, 1912) was an American businessman and bibliophile. He was a member of the prominent Widener family of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Widener is best known for his extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts, as well as for his tragic death in the sinking of the RMS Titanic.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Harry Elkins Widener was born on January 3, 1885, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to George Dunton Widener and Eleanor Elkins Widener. He was the grandson of Peter A. B. Widener, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist. Harry attended Harvard University, where he graduated with a degree in English literature in 1907. During his time at Harvard, he developed a passion for collecting rare books and manuscripts.

Book Collection[edit | edit source]

Widener's collection included first editions of works by William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and Robert Louis Stevenson, among others. He was particularly interested in early printed books and manuscripts, and his collection was considered one of the finest of its kind in the United States. Widener's dedication to his collection was evident in his meticulous cataloging and preservation efforts.

The Titanic Tragedy[edit | edit source]

In April 1912, Harry Elkins Widener, along with his parents, boarded the RMS Titanic for its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. Tragically, the ship struck an iceberg and sank on April 15, 1912. Harry and his father, George Dunton Widener, perished in the disaster, while his mother, Eleanor Elkins Widener, survived.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Following Harry's death, his mother donated funds to Harvard University to construct the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library in his memory. The library, which opened in 1915, houses Widener's extensive book collection and serves as a central library for Harvard's vast collection of books and manuscripts. The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library remains one of the largest university libraries in the world and a testament to Widener's passion for literature and rare books.