Richard Gilder facts for kids

Richard Gilder Jr. (May 31, 1932 – May 12, 2020) was an American who loved to help others. He was a very generous person, known as a philanthropist. He also helped start the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. This organization helps people learn more about American history.

Gilder also led a financial company called Gilder, Gagnon, Howe & Co. He worked with George Soros to help make Central Park in New York City beautiful again. Their work led to the creation of the Central Park Conservancy, which helps take care of the park. Gilder was a leader in this group.

Early Life and Education

Richard Gilder Jr. was born in Manhattan, New York City, on May 31, 1932. His family had lived in New York for many generations. His father, Richard Sr., managed properties. His mother, Jane, was a homemaker.

Richard Gilder went to Northfield Mount Hermon School. After that, he studied at Yale College, graduating in 1954 with a degree in history. Yale University later gave him an honorary degree in 2007.

He cared a lot about Yale. He gave $4 million to help build the Gilder Boathouse for Yale's rowing teams. This boathouse was named after his family to honor three generations of Yale graduates. His daughter, Virginia Gilder, who was an Olympian, inspired this gift.

Career and Helping Others

After working at another financial company, Gilder started his own firm, Gilder, Gagnon, Howe & Co., in 1968. He was also a leader at the New-York Historical Society and the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture.

In 1994, he teamed up with Lewis Lehrman to create the Gilder Lehrman Institute. This institute works to teach people about American history. They collect important historical documents and offer programs for students and teachers.

Saving Central Park

Richard Gilder was very important in helping to fix up Central Park. In 1974, he started working with George Soros to make the park better. Their hard work led to the creation of the Central Park Conservancy six years later. This group helps manage and care for Central Park.

In 1993, Gilder made a huge promise. He said he would donate $17 million to the park if the Conservancy and the city also contributed. This was the largest private donation ever made to a public park at that time.

Other Contributions

Gilder also served on the boards of other important places. These included the Morgan Library & Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation.

In 2005, Richard Gilder and Lewis Lehrman received the National Humanities Medal. This award honored their efforts to promote the study of American history. Gilder also helped start a special PhD program at the American Museum of Natural History, named the Richard Gilder Graduate School.

Gilder with President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, and Lewis Lehrman in 2005

Family Life

Richard Gilder had four children from his first marriage to Britt-Marie Lagerljung. One of his daughters, Virginia Gilder (born in 1958), is also a Yale graduate. She was a member of the American women's rowing team that won a silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Virginia Gilder is also a co-owner of the Seattle Storm, a professional women's basketball team in the WNBA. His other children were Peggy, Britt-Louise, and Richard Gilder III.

In 2005, Richard Gilder married former model and actress Lois Chiles.

Richard Gilder passed away on May 12, 2020, at his home in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was 87 years old. His wife shared that he died from heart failure.