Abby Aldrich Rockefeller was born in Providence, Rhode Island on October 26, 1874. Her father was Nelson Aldrich. He was an important politician from Rhode Island. He later became a Senator from Rhode Island. She was educated at home by a Quaker governess. When she was seventeen she went to Miss Abbott's School and she studied English, French, German, art history and ancient history. She also studied gymnastics and dancing. She graduated in 1893. She traveled to Europe in 1894 and she learned a lot about art. This would help her when she later became an art collector. Abby met John D. Rockefeller Jr. in Providence, Rhode Island. John was a student at Brown University. They were married on October 9, 1901. Abby and John had six children; Abby, John D. 3rd, Nelson (later Governor of New York), Laurance, Winthrop, and David.

Abby helped found the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. With John she help restore Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. Abby created the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center at Colonial Williamsburg. Abby died on April 5, 1948 at her New York apartment.

image courtesy of the Rockefeller Archive Center

for more information:
http://tfaoi.com/newsm1/n1m401.htm
http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/press_release/museum.htm#aarfac
http://www.rockefeller.edu/archive.ctr/aar_biog.html

2000, by Sebastian, 4th grade