The Secret “Old Money” Family Who Own New York’s Arts Scene

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There are only a few families in the history of New York that can claim multiple members of their dynasty had a direct impact on the city that never sleeps.

Sure - we’ve all learned about and marveled at, monikers like Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Carnegie, and Astor -

However, what if I was to tell you that there’s one family you might NEVER have heard of who’ve not only helped turn that small Dutch trading post on the tip of Manhattan into The Big Apple -  

But they also - since before America was even a country - had a direct hand in building up the United States’ military dominance, commercial development from coast to coast - and even arguably created the modern American aviation industry.

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Why “Old Money” Families Are Obsessed With Art: Why “Old Money” Families Are Obsessed...

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How The Rockefellers Went From "New Money" To “Old Money”: The Secret “Old Money” Family Who Own...

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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction
1:06 1. Origins of The Whitney Family
6:05 2. The Whitneys Meet The Vanderbilts
8:25 3. How The Whitneys Took Over The Art World
11:43 4. The Modern Whitneys

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he storied lineage of the Whitney family - a name that would become synonymous with ambition, innovation, and enterprise throughout the entire history of the United States - begins with John Whitney - born in Westminster, London, in 1592.

His immigration to America during the Puritan Great Migration of the mid-seventeenth century likely involved seeking opportunities and religious freedom - aligning with the aspirations of many Puritans of his time.

You see, life in 17th century America was demanding for the Puritans -  defined by a harsh New England climate and an often-unforgiving landscape.

As the 20th century dawned, the union of two powerful American families signaled a new era of influence and innovation.

On August 25, 1896, Gertrude Vanderbilt of the wealthy Vanderbilt clan married Harry Payne Whitney from the aforementioned Whitneys.

Their offspring, Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, would inherit a fortune from both family lines and forge a path as a successful businessman in his own right.

Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney's influence would reach soaring heights in the field of commercial aviation.

Now, the story of how the Whitney family permeated the artistic fabric of the 20th century finds its muse in Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney - a prominent sculptor, patron, and collector.

Her passion and influence shaped not only her own legacy but an entire era of American art.
Gertrude's artistic journey began in earnest in 1907 and continued until her death in 1942.

In those pivotal years, she established herself as a leading patron of American art - fostering talents that might otherwise have gone unrecognized.

In 1914, her vision led her to create the Whitney Studio in Greenwich Village - a haven for contemporary artists whose groundbreaking work was often overlooked by traditional academies.

Now, when the phrase "old money" is mentioned in the context of New York, the Rockefeller name inevitably comes to the fore.

However, it is equally important to acknowledge the Whitney family - who have been central to the philanthropic and cultural fabric of New York City.

While both the Rockefellers and the Whitneys have a storied history of philanthropic endeavors, their focuses differ.

The Rockefellers have long directed their philanthropy towards a broad spectrum of areas - including education, health care, and the arts.

Their influence permeates various institutions - reflecting a commitment to social welfare and cultural enrichment.

The Whitney family - on the other hand - has been especially passionate about supporting the arts.

Specific controversies - like threats from family members to disinherit the museum over a piece accused of trivializing the Holocaust - have fueled public debates, further fanned by political figures like New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

Yet, despite these controversies and the complexities of navigating their significant cultural footprint, the Whitney family's commitment to the arts persists in the 21st century.

The duality of their legacy—marked by both significant contributions and public scrutiny—presents a nuanced view of a family deeply entwined with the city's cultural evolution -  embodying both the triumphs and challenges of philanthropy in the arts.

Now, Eli Whitney Debevoise II - another powerful member of The Whitneys - has extended the family's influence into international finance and law - serving as the U.S. Executive Director of the controversial World Bank Group and a partner at law firm Arnold & Porter LLP.
11 ماه پیش در تاریخ 1402/06/04 منتشر شده است.
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