Samuel H. Kress

Samuel H. Kress was an American businessman and philanthropist, best known for his significant donations to the arts and education. He founded the S. H. Kress & Co. chain of five-and-dime stores, which became widely popular in the early to mid-20th century. After retiring, Kress dedicated much of his wealth to supporting art museums, historical preservation, and educational initiatives. His generous contributions helped establish important cultural institutions, notably the National Gallery of Art's Kress Collection in Washington, D.C., fostering access to art for future generations.