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Program on Andrew Carnegie at CHS
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On Thursday, March 13 at 7 p.m., Peter Krass, author of the recently released book Carnegie, will be at the Connecticut Historical Society to talk about one of the greatest philanthropists ever known.
Andrew Carnegie was a ruthless businessman who made his fortune in the steel industry and ultimately gave most of it away. The wealthiest human being of his time, he was convinced of the merits of poverty in developing character. He returned his vast wealth—produced by the sweat of "the toilers of Pittsburgh"—to the city he loved, to America, to Scotland, to England and to the world. In fact, by the time he died in 1919, Carnegie had given away $350,695,653 and, at his death, the last $30,000,000 was also given away to foundations, charities and pensioners. His legacy lives on in the hundreds and hundreds of libraries that his wealth made possible, including those in several Connecticut towns such as Bridgeport, Derby Neck, Enfield, New Haven, Norwalk, South Norwalk, Unionville and West Haven. He was a millionaire with an extraordinary social conscience. "The man who dies thus rich, dies disgraced," wrote Carnegie.
In writing this first full biography of Carnegie in 30 years, Peter Krass has separated fact from legend by relying heavily on letters, diaries and other writings by primary and peripheral characters in Carnegie's life, extensive archives, and materials previously unavailable to biographers, including critical letters between Carnegie and his top lieutenant and nemesis, Henry Clay Frick. According to Barron’s, the book is "a superb new account of the legendary industrialist and philanthropist's life … timely, balanced … revealing."
Krass, whose great-grandfather worked in a Carnegie steel mill, has published seven previous books and is currently working on a biography of whiskey baron Jack Daniel.
The Connecticut Historical Society is located at One Elizabeth St. in Hartford, easily accessible from I-84, exit #46 (Sisson Ave.). Admission is $6 adults; $3 seniors, students, and youth (ages 6-17); free for children under 6 and CHS members. For reservations call 860-236-5621, ext 238; for more info visit <www.chs.org>.
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