Theodate Pope Riddle

Hill-Stead’s story begins with founder Theodate Pope Riddle, an only child of privilege, who yearned to live on a farm in an era when women of her class were expected to focus on family and social prominence. Theodate was born in 1867, grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and continued her education in the late 1880s at Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, Connecticut, then a finishing school. From an early age, she envisioned a future of living in the country, caring for orphaned children, and building a school. In addition to a career as an architect, Theodate was involved in social causes, had a profound interest in psychical research, and operated a successful farming enterprise. Her varied circle of friends were just as accomplished and forward thinking as she.
Theodate died in 1946. Her will stipulated that Hill-Stead become a museum as a memorial to her parents, and “for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.” She called for the house and its contents, including her father's incomparable collection of French Impressionist masterpieces, to remain intact, not to be moved, lent or sold. Along with Hill-Stead, all but one of Theodate’s buildings still stand today as an enduring testimony to one of this country’s earliest important women architects.