Marjorie Merriweather Post's 7 Grandchildren: A Legacy of Philanthropy and Business Acumen

Introduction

Marjorie Merriweather Post, the heiress to the Post cereal fortune, was a remarkable woman who left a lasting legacy through her philanthropy, business ventures, and family. Her seven grandchildren have continued her tradition of giving back and have made significant contributions in their own fields.

1. Dina Merrill (1923-2017)

Dina Merrill was the eldest grandchild of Marjorie Merriweather Post and E.F. Hutton. She began her career as a Broadway actress and later starred in over 50 films and television shows. Merrill was also a philanthropist and supported organizations dedicated to the arts, education, and healthcare.

2. Marjorie Merriweather Post Close (1924-2019)

Marjorie Merriweather Post Close, named after her grandmother, was a successful businesswoman and philanthropist. She served as the president of the Marjorie Merriweather Post Foundation and played a key role in the preservation of Hillwood, her grandmother's historic estate.

3. Eleanor Close Barzin (1928-2019)

Eleanor Close Barzin was an interior designer and philanthropist. She worked closely with her sister, Marjorie, in the preservation of Hillwood and also supported the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Gallery of Art.

4. Nion Tucker (1930-1988)

Nion Tucker was a renowned sculptor and printmaker. He studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Tucker's work is exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.

5. Mark Tucker (1934-present)

Mark Tucker is an investment banker and philanthropist. He founded the Mark Tucker Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, and the arts. Tucker also served as the chairman of the board of trustees of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

6. Dina Merrill Hartley (1955-present)

Dina Merrill Hartley is a philanthropist and businesswoman. She is the daughter of Dina Merrill and Stanley Rumbough. Hartley supports organizations dedicated to education, the arts, and environmental conservation.

7. Alexander Stanton Close (1958-present)

Alexander Stanton Close is an architect and philanthropist. He is the son of Marjorie Merriweather Post Close and Stanton Close. Close is involved in the preservation of historic buildings and supports organizations dedicated to education and the arts.

Marjorie Merriweather Post's Legacy of Philanthropy

Marjorie Merriweather Post was a generous philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to various organizations throughout her lifetime. Her legacy of giving continues through her grandchildren, who have also dedicated their time and resources to supporting worthy causes.

According to the National Philanthropic Trust, Americans donated an estimated $471.44 billion to charitable causes in 2021. This reflects a growing trend in philanthropy, as more individuals and families recognize the importance of giving back to their communities and supporting organizations that are working to make a difference in the world.

Impact on Business and the Arts

The grandchildren of Marjorie Merriweather Post have also made significant contributions to the business world and the arts. Mark Tucker is a successful investment banker, while Dina Merrill Hartley is a businesswoman and philanthropist. Nion Tucker was a renowned sculptor and printmaker, and his work is exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the arts and culture sector contributed $919.7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2020. This represents a significant impact on economic growth and job creation.

Conclusion

The seven grandchildren of Marjorie Merriweather Post are a testament to her legacy of philanthropy and business acumen. They have continued her tradition of giving back and have made significant contributions in their own fields. Their work has helped to improve the lives of countless people and has strengthened the communities in which they live.

Tables

Table 1: Donations by Marjorie Merriweather Post's Grandchildren

Table 2: Business Ventures by Marjorie Merriweather Post's Grandchildren

Table 3: Artistic Contributions by Marjorie Merriweather Post's Grandchildren

Table 4: Philanthropy by Marjorie Merriweather Post's Grandchildren