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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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People File • Philanthropist

Rebekah Harkness

Rebekah Harkness (born Rebekah West; 1915–1982) was an American composer, sculptor, socialite, dance patron, and philanthropist.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Rebekah Harkness was an American composer, sculptor, socialite, and dance patron who founded the Harkness Ballet. Her marriage to Standard Oil heir William Hale Harkness made her one of the wealthiest women in the United States.

What it is

Rebekah Harkness (born Rebekah West, 1915–1982) was a multifaceted figure: a composer, sculptor, socialite, and philanthropist. Her most lasting contribution is the Harkness Ballet, which she founded in 1964, along with Harkness House for Ballet Arts.

Key details

Harkness gained her fortune through a socially prominent family and her second marriage to William Hale Harkness, an heir to the Standard Oil fortune. She used that wealth to become a major patron of dance, founding the Harkness Ballet and supporting other ballet companies and arts initiatives.

Why it matters

Harkness left a significant mark on American ballet through her philanthropy and patronage. She died of cancer in 1982 at age 67, but her institutions and reputation as a colorful, influential social figure endure.

In short

  • Born Rebekah West in St. Louis, 1915.
  • Married Standard Oil heir William Hale Harkness, gaining immense wealth.
  • Founded the Harkness Ballet in 1964 and supported dance arts.
  • Died of cancer in New York City in 1982.

Quick questions

Who was Rebekah Harkness?
American composer, sculptor, socialite, dance patron, and philanthropist, best known for founding the Harkness Ballet.
How did she make her money?
She came from a wealthy family and gained major wealth through her marriage to Standard Oil heir William Hale Harkness.
What happened to Rebekah Harkness?
She died of cancer in New York City on June 17, 1982, at age 67.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebekah_Harkness
    Supports: Birth name, dates, occupation, and that she founded the Harkness Ballet.
  2. Harkness Foundation for Dance — https://harknessfoundation.org/history/
    Supports: Her role in founding the Harkness Ballet, Harkness House for Ballet Arts, and her significance as a dance patron.
  3. St. Louis Magazine — https://www.stlmag.com/culture/music/the-last-great-american-dynasty-rebekah-harkness/
    Supports: Biographical details including marriage to William Hale Harkness, death in 1982, and her wealth/lifestyle.
  4. Christie's — https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6429472
    Supports: Marriage to William Hale Harkness, patronage of ballet, and establishment of the Harkness Ballet and related institutions.
  5. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/harkness-rebekah-west
    Supports: Biographical summary of her role as a wealthy philanthropist and patron of the arts.
  6. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11723339/bio/
    Supports: Alternative biographical listing of marriages and death date; less authoritative than other sources.