Pequot Library Presents Women In Philanthropy Series

From Pequot Library: Contemporary, influential women philanthropists such as Melinda Gates and Priscilla Chan are celebrated with fame, but early female humanitarians like Virginia Marquand Monroe (1837-1926) and Mary Catherine Hull Wakeman (1813-1896) have fallen into obscurity despite their contributions that continue to stimulate learning and culture 128 years later. Learn how these two women helped to establish the Pequot Library as a cultural beacon on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. as the Library’s Executive Director, Stephanie J. Coakley, presents The Life of Virginia Marquand Monroe and Other Late Nineteenth- Century Women Philanthropists. This is the final presentation in an on-going series of programs developed in conjunction with the Pequot Founders: Building a Library and a Legacy exhibition, which closes on May 7, 2017.

Discover more about Virginia Marquand Monroe’s early life, and the events which inspired her to create a library that is “free as air to all.” Hear about the generous contributions made by Mary Catherine Hull Wakeman, which allowed for the construction of the library stacks that are still in use today. Learn about her gift of early Americana rare books, manuscripts, and archives that began Pequot Library’s remarkable Special Collections.

Understand the expanded role of women and their educational opportunities in the Gilded Age by examining the lives of other Connecticut library benefactors including, Catherine Burroughs Pettingill, who helped open the Burroughs Public Library in Bridgeport, and Maria Parloa and Hannah Seelye, who helped to establish the Bethel Public Library. This program and all Pages from Pequot exhibitions are funded in part by the Town of Fairfield.

In 1882 Virginia Marquand Monroe inherited a considerable fortune from her uncle and adopted father, Fredrick Marquand, who wished her to “use and distribute [the funds] in the cause of education.” Twelve years later, she and her husband, Elbert, presented Pequot Library to the community of Fairfield, including its contents, impressive auditorium, and comfortable reading room. Today, Pequot Library continues to carry on the mission of its founders by bringing literature, music, art, science, and the humanities to its community. Ms. Coakley has served as Pequot Library director since July 2016, joining the Library after working for nearly 20 years as a museum educator in a variety of art and history museums. She recently earned her graduate degree in American Studies from Trinity College, writing her thesis about the life and times of Connecticut philanthropist Caroline Josephine Welton (1842-1884.)

Please visit www.pequotlibrary.org to learn more about this vibrant library, educational, arts and cultural institution. For information: (203) 259-0346 ext. 15. Follow Pequot Library on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Pequot Library Brings Culture to Life!

Images Courtesy Of Pequot Library