In 2024, the Morgan Library & Museum celebrated its 100th anniversary with a landmark exhibition exploring the remarkable life and career of its first director, Belle da Costa Greene—a Black woman who passed as white and became one of the most influential figures in the worlds of rare books, manuscripts, and art.

In this virtual program, we’ll discover Greene’s fascinating story through vintage photographs, personal stories, and highlights from the Morgan’s 2024 exhibition, exploring both her extraordinary career and the carefully constructed identity that allowed her to navigate New York society in the early 20th century.

This discussion will reference The Personal Librarian, a historical novel by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray and An Illuminated Life: Belle da Costa Greene’s Journey from Prejudice to Privilege, a biography by Heidi Ardizzone.

Join us to discover the remarkable woman behind one of New York City’s great cultural institutions and the fascinating story she kept hidden for much of her life.

Led by Ginny Poleman—A graduate of Cornell University and a licensed New York City Sightseeing Guide, Ginny offers tours for the American Institute of Architects on the Classic Harbor Cruise Line's architectural tours and is an experienced guide for the Municipal Art Society and New York City’s largest art museum.