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| Anne Morgan (1873–1952) |
Thanks to a program I attended recently presented by World War One Historical Association member Jolie Velasquez, I was able to gain a greater appreciation of one of the outstanding philanthropic figures of the First World War. Anne Tracy Morgan was the daughter of the most powerful financier in America's history, J.P. Morgan. Born 25 July 1873, Anne Morgan grew up on her family's New York estate and was schooled both at home and in private schools. As an adult, Morgan used her family's wealth and connections in support of many social causes.
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| Chateau de Blérancourt Top: Anne Morgan with Volunteers Bottom: The Chateau Today with the Franco-American Friendship Museum Visible in Rear |
During World War I and World War II, Morgan spent time in France overseeing relief efforts in frontline communities. She established the American Friends for Devastated France, which worked to provide health services, housing, and food to soldiers and refugees displaced by occupation and evacuation. During the Great War she was based in the Aisne region of France at the Chateau de Blérancourt, north of Soissons. Today the chateau is the location of a French-American Museum commemorating the work done there.
Jolie presented one of the two outstanding documentaries on Anne Morgan. I thought readers of ROADS TO THE GREAT WAR should have the opportunity to view both, so here they are:
A man named Alan Govenar last year did a book about Anne Morgan for the American Friends of Blerancourt. The museum recently had an excellent exhibit about her time in the area with interactive photos of the work she did there even before the U.S. got into the war. These videos are a great touch, Mike. Thank You.
ReplyDeleteFascinating, both in terms of gender history as well as the US financial angle in the war.
ReplyDeleteWell it was her good luck that she didn't have her father's schnaz.
ReplyDelete