Happy Birthday Ruth!
Born on October 19, 1923, Ruth Carter Stevenson was the daughter of the Museum’s namesake, Amon G. Carter Sr. (1879–1955), and was responsible for seeing that her father’s wish to establish a museum for the city of Fort Worth accessible to all was realized. Under her leadership, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art opened to the public in January 1961.
Her involvement with the arts reached far beyond the state of Texas: the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Trust for Historic Places, the American Federation of Arts, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C where she was not only the first woman appointed to the board but the first female chair of the board as well. The Carter exists today because of Stevenson, and it is just one of her legacies.
Masterpiece Memories
In 2006, Ruth Carter Stevenson reflected on how some of the amazing artwork came to be part of the Carter’s collection and she shared her memories of how the Museum grew to become one of the best museums of American art in the country. You can watch her recollection in our Masterpiece Memories series on YouTube.
Celebrating Ruth
Over the next few months, you can enjoy events that celebrate Ruth’s legacy and contributions to the Carter. Mark your calendars for these events!
Ruth Carter Stevenson: A Masterpiece
On the occasion of what would have been Ruth's 100th birthday, Carter board members and Ruth’s family reflect on her legacy at the Carter and beyond.
Ruth Carter Stevenson's 100th birthday is featured as a "city-changing milestone" in Paper City.