David Edward Finley Jr. was born at York, South Carolina and was one of America's great cultural leaders. Finley graduated from the University of South Carolina and George Washington University and became known in Washington's social, political and arts scene. His skills proved handy in leading the Roberts Commission which rescued priceless artwork in Europe during the Second World War.
He stayed in Washington for much of his life and career. He became the first director of the National Gallery of Art and later co-created, alongside then First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, the White House Historical Association on which he served as Chairman until his death in 1977.
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