David Karpeles (January 26, 1936 - January 19, 2022) was a mathematician and philanthropist best known as the namesake of the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums.
Biography
editDavid Karpeles was born in Santa Barbara, California in 1936 at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.[1][2][3] He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in mathematics and physics.[1]
Karpeles began investing in real estate in 1968, and was known for offering financing options so tenants could become home-owners, for which in 1981 he was recognized by then-Governor of California Jerry Brown with an affordable housing competition award.[1] His success in the real estate market allowed him to begin his collection of rare documents in 1977.[4][5]
Karpeles became known for the sixteen museums which are named after him, the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums, which contain documents related to topics such as literature, science, religion, political history, music, exploration, and art.[1] In total, the over one million manuscripts in the collection are estimated to be worth $1 billion.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Philanthropist David Karpeles, 86, Has Died". The Santa Barbara Independent. 10 February 2022.
- ^ a b Zehnder, Katherine (11 February 2022). "David Karpeles remembered for legacy, manuscript collection". Santa Barbara News-Press.
- ^ "David Karpeles Biography". www.acsu.buffalo.edu.
- ^ "Denfeld Alumni Association - Hunter Hall of Fame - David Karpeles". denfeldalumni.com.
- ^ Spano, Susan (15 February 2004). "Worth more than the paper it's printed on". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Corinna, Richardson (12 August 2020). "Manuscript museum 'will be a bulwark' for local community". AP NEWS.
- ^ Smith, Abigail Keely (February 11, 2022) 'A quiet, modest genius': David Karpeles leaves behind museums, legacy:The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum founder died Jan. 19. Duluth Times Tribune.
- ^ "Minnesota briefs: David Karpeles, the Duluth-raised manuscript collector and philanthropist, dies at 85". Star Tribune. 12 February 2022.