Ruth Carter Stevenson facts for kids

Ruth Carter Stevenson (born October 19, 1923 – died January 6, 2013) was an American who loved and supported art. She is famous for starting the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. This museum opened in Fort Worth, Texas, in January 1961.

Early Life and Education

Ruth Carter Stevenson was born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1923. Her parents were Amon G. Carter and Nenetta Carter. Her father, Amon G. Carter, was a very important person in Fort Worth. He created and published the Fort Worth Star-Telegram newspaper.

Ruth was the second daughter in her family. She went to the Madeira School for her early education. Later, she studied at Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, New York. In 1945, she earned a degree in chemistry from there.

Founding the Amon Carter Museum

Ruth's father, Amon G. Carter, passed away in 1955. In his will, he had a special wish. He wanted a museum to be built after his death. This museum would focus on Western American art. It would hold his large collection of over 700 art pieces. These pieces showed the American West. Most of them were paintings and sculptures by famous artists like Frederic Remington and Charles Russell.

Ruth Carter Stevenson made sure her father's wish came true. She hired a well-known architect named Philip Johnson to design the museum building. In January 1961, the museum opened its doors. It was first called the Amon Carter Museum of Western Art. Ruth became the first president of the museum's board of trustees. She continued to lead the museum until she passed away in 2013.

A Leader in the Art World

Ruth Carter Stevenson was a very important figure in the art world. She made history by becoming the first woman to join the board of directors of the National Gallery of Art. This famous museum is located in Washington, D.C.. Even more, she was the first woman to become the chairman of that board. This showed her strong leadership and dedication to art.

In 1963, Ruth also helped create a special art show. She worked with other art lovers, Owen Day and Sam Cantey III. They put together An Art Exhibition for the President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy. This exhibition decorated the suite where President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy stayed. It was at the Hotel Texas in Fort Worth, Texas. They stayed there the night before November 22, 1963.

Later Life and Legacy

Ruth Carter Stevenson passed away at her home in Fort Worth, Texas. She died on January 6, 2013, at the age of 89. Her work greatly helped share American art with many people. The Amon Carter Museum of American Art stands as a lasting tribute to her and her father's vision.