Samuel H. Kress

Samuel Henry Kress (23 July, 1863 - 22 September, 1955) was a United States businessman and philanthropist, founder of the S. H. Kress & Co. department store chain.

Kress was born in Cherryville, Pennsylvania . He worked as a school teacher before going into business. In 1887 he opened a "stationary and notions" store in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. As the business prospered he used his profits into starting additional stores, naming the chain S. H. Kress & Co.

Kress was a lover of art, especially that of the Italian Renaissance. In 1929 he established the Kress Foundation to promote understanding and appreciation of European art in the United States.

Kress was a major early donor to the U.S. National Gallery of Art. He also donated art to over 40 other U.S. museums.

Samuel H. Kress died in New York City.

External link

• Samuel Henry Kress on National Gallery of Art site