Samuel H. Kress
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Samuel Henry Kress (July 23, 1863 - September 22, 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 schoolteacher before going into business. In 1887 he opened a "stationery 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, including the Allentown Art Museum in Allentown, Pennsylvania and the Honolulu Academy of Arts.
Samuel H. Kress died in New York City.
