Andrew Carnegie was a forward thinking progressive in many regards and was greatly concerned with issues of peace and ethics, as shown through his philanthropic work. Although there is little evidence of Andrew Carnegie’s specific views on women (his wife, Louise, in fact, did not support the women’s rights movement!), Carnegie famously credited his life’s success to the women surrounding him, declaring, “Two women, my mother and my wife, have made me all that I am.” There are a number of other pioneering and radical women, who crossed paths with Carnegie and whom he greatly admired. Here are some of them:

Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955), daughter of former slaves, was one of the most important black educators, civil and women’s rights leaders in America. In 1911, one of Mary’s students became seriously ill but was refused treatment at the local hospital because she was African American. Infuriated, Mary decided to create a hospital for the African American community. Inspired by her spirit, Andrew Carnegie donated 1/5 of the overall cost.

Marie Curie (1867-1934) received $50,000 funding (over a million dollars in today’s money!) from Andrew Carnegie to establish the Curie Scholarships at the Université Sorbonne in Paris. These scholarships allowed gifted and promising scientists to become part of Curie’s team of the brightest and best academics, dedicated to her research. Curie was not only the first woman to win a Nobel prize, but the first person ever to win two Nobel prizes (in 1903 and 1911 respectively), as well as in two different scientific fields – Physics and Chemistry. Curie remained in touch with Andrew’s wife Louise after Andrew passed away.

Helen Keller (1880-1968) was an American author, political activist and lecturer. She was a pioneer and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, herself having lost both her hearing and sight when she was nearly two years old. Both Andrew and Louise were admirers of Helen and her determination, a result of which in 1910 earned her a lifelong pension from the Carnegies.

Kang Tongbi (1881-1969) was a Chinese political and women’s rights activist. Her family was banished from China in 1895 because of the progressive policies her father Kang Youwei proposed. Kang Tongbi arrived in the USA in 1903 and stayed until 1911. She was the first Asian student to study at Barnard College (of Columbia University) in New York City. Both Kang Youwei and Kang Tongbi shared Carnegie’s views on philanthropy and solidarity. Andrew Carnegie held dear the two hand-embroidered silk tapestries gifted to him by Kang Tongbi in 1907. The tapestries are now part of our museum’s collection.

Bertha von Suttner (1843-1914) was an Austrian pacifist and novelist. In 1905 she was the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, for writing the novel Lay Down Your Arms and for contributing to the creation of the Peace Prize. Struggling to make ends meet, she received a pension from Andrew Carnegie. In 1911, she became a member of the advisory council of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She was a close friend of the Carnegies and stayed as their guest at Skibo Castle in Scotland.

Written by Kirke Kook (Curator / Manager), Annie Leverton (Visitor Services Officer) and Helen Cameron (Student Placement).