2002.M02

Portrait

2002.M02.02

H-29.5 W-24.5 inches

Eleanor Blaney Bird was the wife of Henry Bird, sixth librarian and secretary of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. He served in this capacity from 1859 until his death in 1863. Eleanor was charged with raising their two children, Justin and Henrietta. Eleanor was originally from Maryland but moved to Philadelphia with her husband shortly after they married in 1826. Henry ran a hardware store in Philadelphia, following in the footsteps of his father, Charles. When Henry passed away in 1864, Eleanor and her daughter Henrietta kept house together. Eleanor passed away in 1888, outliving many family members and friends.

Her portrait is attributed to an unknown student of Thomas Sully, prominent Philadelphia portraitist. It is currently hanging in the Conference Room, along with a portrait of Henry Bird.