Iphigene Ochs Sulzberger

Iphigene Ochs Sulzberger was a prominent American newspaper publisher and philanthropist, best known for her association with The New York Times and her family's media legacy, which included The Chattanooga Times and The New York Times. As the daughter of Adolph Ochs, the renowned publisher of The New York Times and The Chattanooga Times, Iphigene was exposed to the world of journalism from a young age, often interacting with notable figures such as Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. Her family's influence extended to various fields, including politics, with connections to the Democratic Party and prominent politicians like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. Iphigene's upbringing was also marked by her family's strong ties to the Jewish community in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and organizations like the American Jewish Committee.

● Early Life

Iphigene Ochs Sulzberger was born on September 19, 1892, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Adolph Ochs and Effie Wise. Her early life was shaped by her family's newspaper business, with her father's ownership of The Chattanooga Times and later The New York Times. Iphigene's education took her to Vassar College, where she developed interests in literature and the arts, often attending events at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York Public Library. Her social circle included prominent figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and Dorothy Parker, with whom she shared interests in women's rights and social justice. Iphigene's family also had connections to the Harvard University community, with her brother-in-law, Arthur Hays Sulzberger, being a Harvard University graduate, and her nephew, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr., later attending Columbia University.

● Career

Iphigene Ochs Sulzberger's career was deeply intertwined with her family's newspaper legacy, particularly The New York Times. She worked closely with her father, Adolph Ochs, and later her husband, Arthur Hays Sulzberger, who succeeded her father as the publisher of The New York Times. Iphigene's role in the company involved managing various aspects of the newspaper, including its Sunday Magazine and Book Review sections, which featured writers like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Her connections to the literary world also led to friendships with authors like William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams, who often contributed to The New York Times. Iphigene's career was marked by her dedication to maintaining the high standards of journalism set by her family, often seeking advice from notable editors like Turner Catledge and Clifton Daniel.

● Personal Life

Iphigene Ochs Sulzberger married Arthur Hays Sulzberger in 1917, and the couple had four children: Marian Sulzberger Heiskell, Ruth Sulzberger Holmberg, Judith Sulzberger, and Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr.. Her family life was filled with intellectual and cultural pursuits, often hosting gatherings that included guests like Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso. Iphigene's personal interests extended to the arts, with a particular fondness for the Museum of Modern Art and the New York City Ballet. She was also an avid supporter of women's education, often donating to institutions like Barnard College and Smith College. Iphigene's social circle included prominent women like Eleanor Roosevelt and Dorothy Schiff, with whom she shared interests in politics and social activism.

● Philanthropy

Iphigene Ochs Sulzberger was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various causes throughout her life. She was particularly involved with organizations like the American Red Cross and the United Service Organizations (USO), which provided aid during World War I and World War II. Iphigene also supported educational institutions, including Columbia University and New York University, and was a patron of the arts, often donating to the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic. Her philanthropic efforts were recognized by organizations like the National Council of Jewish Women and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Iphigene's charitable work was also influenced by her family's connections to the Jewish community in New York City, with ties to synagogues like Temple Emanu-El and Congregation B'nai Jeshurun.

● Legacy

Iphigene Ochs Sulzberger's legacy is deeply intertwined with her family's newspaper empire, particularly The New York Times. She played a significant role in maintaining the newspaper's high standards of journalism, often working closely with editors like Harrison Salisbury and James Reston. Iphigene's dedication to philanthropy and the arts has also left a lasting impact, with her support of institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and the New York City Ballet. Her family's influence extends to various fields, including politics, with connections to the Democratic Party and prominent politicians like John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Iphigene Ochs Sulzberger's life and legacy serve as a testament to the enduring power of family, philanthropy, and journalism, with her memory honored by organizations like the New York Times Company and the Sulzberger Family.

Category:American newspaper publishers