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Description
Kathleen Burke Hale was one of Santa Barbara's most distinguished citizens. The most decorated woman of World War I, Burke received awards and medals from seven European nations. As a volunteer Red Cross worker during World War I she helped organize emergency hospitals in war zones and created a climate of high morale among both soldiers and military officials. Burke repeated her feat in the wake of World War II when she and her husband, artist Girard Hale, adopted and coordinated reconstruction of the French village of Maillé, which had been leveled by the Nazis following their massacre of its inhabitants. In both word and image, this collection documents Kathleen Burke Hale's life as a humanitarian, philanthropist, and world traveler during the first half of the 20th century and across two world wars.
Background
Born in London, England, and of Irish descent, Kathleen Burke Peabody Hale (1884-1958) was educated at the University of Oxford and in Paris. Outliving three American husbands, Burke devoted her life to humanitarian causes during war and peace, in Europe and in Santa Barbara.
Extent
13 Linear Feet
Restrictions
Property rights reside with the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head Archivist of the Gledhill Library.
Availability
Collection is open for research.