12 Facts About Wilhelmina Holladay

Wilhelmina Cole Holladay was an American art collector and patron.

Wilhelmina Holladay was the co-founder of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2006.

Wilhelmina Holladay's father, Chauncey Cole, worked as a businessman; her mother, Claire Elisabeth nee Strong, was a housewife.

Wilhelmina Holladay was close to her maternal grandmother, whom she credits with inculcating a perception of beauty.

Wilhelmina Holladay graduated with a degree in art history from Elmira College in 1944.

Wilhelmina Holladay went on to study art history at Cornell University, before undertaking further studies at the University of Paris from 1953 to 1954.

Wilhelmina Holladay met Wallace Holladay while he was a naval officer in Washington, and later married him.

Wilhelmina Holladay had consulted with the art historian Ann Sutherland Harris regarding long-term placement of her private collection, and Harris suggested she found a museum dedicated to women's art.

Wilhelmina Holladay died on March 6,2021, at her home in Washington, DC She was 98; no cause of death was announced.

Wilhelmina Holladay was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1996.

Wilhelmina Holladay received two foreign honors: the Legion of Honour from the French government and the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.

Wilhelmina Holladay authored the book A Museum of Their Own: National Museum of Women in the Arts, published by Abbeville Press.