Consider This from NPR The Morgan Library's quest to honor a matriarch in archiving
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Nov 8, 2024 Erica Cilella, the exhibit curator for A Librarian's Legacy at the Morgan Library and Museum, shines a light on Belle da Costa Greene, a groundbreaking librarian from the Gilded Age. They explore Greene's significant role in shaping the Morgan Library's collection and her influence on inclusivity in libraries. The conversation dives into her complex navigation of race and identity, as well as her pioneering efforts to make library resources accessible to all. Greene's legacy is a testament to the crucial role women have played in preserving cultural heritage.
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Belle da Costa Green's Influence
- Belle da Costa Green, a prominent figure in Gilded Age New York, curated rare books for J.P. Morgan's collection.
- Her work shaped the Morgan Library's legacy, transforming it into a renowned institution.
Green's Career at the Morgan
- Belle da Costa Green became the Morgan Library's librarian in 1905 after an introduction by Junius Morgan, J.P. Morgan's nephew.
- Green's expertise and vision led her to become the library's director in 1924.
Green's Racial Identity
- Belle da Costa Green, a Black woman, passed as white throughout her career, a decision made by her mother.
- This choice reflects the racial challenges faced by African Americans during Reconstruction and beyond.