Belle da Costa Greene's Masterclass: On Race, Power, and the 'Invisible Frameworks' of the Archival World

The Harvard Club of the Research Triangle discussed The Personal Librarian and Belle da Costa Greene herself. Greene, “Personal Librarian” to J.P. Morgan, had extensive ties to Harvard (including Harvard College graduates Richard Greener, Robert Mackenzie “Bobbie” Leveridge, and Bernard Berenson)

We had a lively discussion of the novel and Belle’s Harvard connection to three graduates of  Harvard College – Richard Greener (daughter), Robert Mackenzie “Bobbie” Leveridge (aunt/adoptive mother), and Bernard Berenson (“It’s Complicated”). 

As one participant noted, historical fiction can make invisible women visible.  

We even dipped into her professional ties with a discussion of Widener Library (designed by African-American “hidden figure” Julian Abele) and Villa i Tatti (donated by Bernard Berenson himself).

In a nod to Dorothy Sayers, it was a busman’s holiday and a labor of love to discuss Belle with honored guests from the world of libraries, local Ivy Plus alumni, and alumni from across six Harvard Colleges, Schools, and certificate programs.