Maria: A Biography of Maria Longworth

This is the story of Maria Longworth Nichols Storer, woman, mother, artist, writer, feminist, diplomat, independent thinker and "mover and shaker" in the highest circles.

A modern woman in every sense, her accomplishments are all the more remarkable for having been made one hundred years ago in a male dominated culture in which women had neither the vote nor the right of property.

Born to one of Cincinnati's best-known and wealthiest families, Maria's legacy energizes the city's cultural and social scene to this day. She was a creative part of the major artistic and musical institutions begun in the 19th century: the Art Museum, the Art Academy, the May Festival, the Symphony Orchestra, Music Hall and the College of Music. Many of Cincinnati's hospitals likewise have roots in the social concerns of Maria's circle.

To help create jobs for poor working women, many of whom could not find acceptable jobs at decent wages, Maria started Rookwood Pottery, which in time became one of Cincinnati's show places.

Later, in Washington, she became the friend and confidante of Presidents McKinley, Roosevelt and Taft. A convert to Catholicism, she worked for greater tolerance among the faiths. As Mrs. Bellamy Storer she was at home in Brussels, Madrid and Vienna, where her husband served as U.S. Ambassador. Her last years were spent in Paris.

Hers was an inspiring life with many lessons for today.