A Practical Philanthropist: The Life and Times of Mary Louise Curtis Bok Zimbalist, Founder of Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music

Description

A tribute to the enduring legacy of an influential and philanthropic pioneer who helped define America’s place in the world of classical music

Born at the height of the country’s centennial celebration, Mary Louise Curtis was raised by industrious New Englanders who built Ladies’ Home Journal into the most widely read magazine in America. Aside from immense wealth,Mary’s parents bestowed upon their only child a sophisticated understanding of music that would lead to her hands-on involvement in the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia and the founding of the world-renowned Curtis Institute of Music. Woven into the narrative are excerpts from Mary’s correspondence, divulging the intimate goings-on behind the scenes while animating the voice and thoughts of this remarkable woman. Barbara Benedett reveals never-before-published details, which will intrigue those steeped in America’s musical history. The book also explores Mary’s work as a philanthropist, both within musical circles and well beyond. A strong advocate of practical philanthropy, Mary worked tirelessly throughout her life to help many individuals and communities. Through Benedett’s exhaustive research and a careful reexamination of innumerable letters, interviews, and other source materials, this notable American philanthropist finally emerges from the shadows, and her immeasurable generosity, business acumen, and vision are fully acknowledged.

About the Author
Barbara Benedett is senior archivist at the Rock Resource Center, Curtis Institute of Music, where she has been working with the collections since 2012. She holds an MLS from Clarion University and a BS from Drexel University, as well as a BM in music education and an MM in clarinet performance from the University of Delaware. During her twenty years as a music educator, Benedett was assistant director of Early Childhood Programs at the Mary Louise Curtis branch of the Settlement Music School, head of the woodwind department at the Music School of Delaware, and adjunct clarinet faculty at the University of Delaware. In 2025, Benedett was invited to present her research related to this book at the James Loeb Musical World conference in Germany; her paper will be published by Harvard University as part of the conference proceedings. Benedett is currently a member of Delaware Valley Archivists Group, the Society of American Archivists, and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archivist’s Conference. She lives in South Philadelphia and is available for interviews and lectures.