Belle da Costa Greene, Gilded Age Trailblazer | Treasures of New York

Learn about Belle da Costa Greene, the first private librarian and director of the JP Morgan Library, in this clip from the “Morgan Library and Museum” episode of Treasures of New York. Greene defied sexist and racist expectations to become one of the most prominent librarians in history.

Through video, teaching tips, primary source activities, and discussion questions, students will explore Greene’s story and consider why it matters who the “gatekeepers of knowledge” are in our society.