Edith Altschul Lehman

Edith Altschul Lehman was a prominent American philanthropist and civic leader, best known for her extensive charitable work and as the wife of Herbert H. Lehman, the 49th Governor of New York and a United States Senator. A member of the influential Lehman family through marriage, she dedicated her life to supporting a wide array of causes, including public health, education, social welfare, and the arts, primarily in New York City and New York State. Her decades of quiet but impactful advocacy left a lasting imprint on numerous cultural and humanitarian institutions.

Early life and family

Edith Altschul was born on September 16, 1889, in San Francisco, to a prosperous German-Jewish family. Her father, Charles Altschul, was a successful banker and partner in the firm Lazard Frères, while her mother, Camilla Altschul (née Mandlebaum), was active in charitable circles. She was raised in an environment that valued both intellectual pursuits and social responsibility, receiving her education at private schools. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake profoundly affected her youth, exposing her to large-scale devastation and community response efforts. This early experience is often cited as formative in shaping her later commitment to organized philanthropy and disaster relief.

Marriage and family life

In 1910, she married Herbert H. Lehman, a rising figure in finance and politics from the renowned Lehman family, founders of Lehman Brothers. The marriage connected her to one of the most prominent American Jewish families in New York City. They had three children: Peter Lehman, who died in infancy, and two sons, John Lehman and another named Peter. The family resided primarily in New York City, maintaining homes on Park Avenue and in Purchase, New York. Throughout her husband's political career, which included his tenure as Lieutenant Governor of New York, Governor of New York, and United States Senator, she provided steadfast support, managing their homes and family life while discreetly advising on social policy matters.

Philanthropy and civic engagement

Edith Altschul Lehman's philanthropic work was vast and multifaceted, often conducted away from public spotlight. She was a leading force behind the Henry Street Settlement, serving as its president for many years and championing its public health nursing and social service programs. She was a major benefactor and trustee of Barnard College, playing a key role in its development and supporting women's education. Her deep commitment to public health was evident in her long association with the New York Infirmary, later the New York Infirmary-Beckman Downtown Hospital, and the Lenox Hill Hospital. During World War II, she was actively involved with the American Red Cross and efforts to support Allied refugees. She also supported cultural institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York Philharmonic.

Later years and legacy

Following the death of her husband, Senator Herbert H. Lehman, in 1963, she continued her philanthropic activities with undiminished vigor. In her later years, she focused on memorializing her husband's legacy, supporting the Herbert H. Lehman Center for American History at Columbia University and the Herbert H. Lehman College in the Bronx. She remained an active board member for her cherished institutions until her death on March 10, 1976, in New York City. Her legacy is preserved through the ongoing work of the organizations she strengthened and the Lehman family's continued philanthropic tradition. The Edith and Herbert Lehman Foundation, established by the couple, continues to support education, health, and cultural causes, ensuring their shared vision endures.

Category:American philanthropists Category:1889 births Category:1976 deaths Category:People from San Francisco Category:Lehman family