New Albany in Floyd County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Carnegie's Lasting Gifts
Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, August 28, 2011
1. Carnegie's Lasting Gifts Marker
Andrew Carnegie rose from humble beginnings in Scotland to become one of America’s most famous philanthropists. From his first job at 13 in a cotton mill to his position as head of The Carnegie Steel Company, Carnegie remembered his path to success and determined to give back some of his wealth to help educate and enrich others. He believed that the rich had an obligation to share their wealth.
He founded several trusts and organizations for the distribution of his money. One of his special interests was the establishment of free libraries throughout the world, and he spent $56 million to build over 2,500 libraries, now known as Carnegie Libraries. He hoped to enable every citizen to better him/herself in education and fine arts. Carnegie Hall in New York was built with Carnegie funding. In all, Carnegie gave away over $350 million during his lifetime.
What is now The Carnegie Center for Art and History in New Albany was originally constructed in 1904 as a Carnegie-funded library. Designed in the Neo-Classical style, it was the home of the New Albany Public Library until 1969.
It was closed for two years
this page online
• • • • By the Way:
Indiana has the largest number of Carnegie Libraries in the nation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Education. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location. 38° 17.196′ N, 85° 49.299′ W. Marker is in New Albany, Indiana, in Floyd County. Marker is on East Spring Street west of East 3rd Street, on the right when traveling west. Located in front of the Carnegie Library (Carnegie Center) in New Albany, Indiana. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 East Spring Street, New Albany IN 47150, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Windsor Hotel (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); New Albany Downtown Historic District (about 600 feet away); New Albany's First Bank Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); State Bank of Indiana (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old New Albany
Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, August 28, 2011
2. Marker Photo - - "1903 - Under Construction"
Also see . . .
1. Andrew Carnegie ::. A "Herald Films" video tribute to Andrew Carnegie's thoughts, photos, and locations. In his day - the richest man in the world "Gave It Away". (Submitted on September 3, 2011, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
2. Video - Biography of Andrew Carnegie (Courtesy - YouTube):. (Submitted on February 6, 2013, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, August 28, 2011
3. Marker Photo - - "1903 - Completed"
Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, August 28, 2011
4. Marker Photo - - 1913 - Centennial Parade"
Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, August 28, 2011
5. South/West Corner - - Carnegie Library - "Carnegie Center" - - New Albany, Indiana
Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, August 28, 2011
6. Carnegie's Lasting Gifts Marker -&- Caregie Center (Library) Building
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2011, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 512 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 3, 2011, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
