I Am Miriam
A Life Worth Remembering, A Legacy Carrying Forward
Although she was not a person of great means and came from humble beginnings as the daughter of Jewish immigrants, Miriam rose to become one of the most influential contributors to the vibrant cultural and performing arts scene that is a source of pride for Daytonians today. During a 30-year period in Dayton’s history beginning in the 1930’s, hardly any major community project or fund-raising effort was undertaken without Miriam’s behind-the-scenes participation and planning. Following Miriam’s death in 1965, her great friend, James M. Cox, Jr, the publisher of Dayton Daily News wrote, “Ever radiant and indefatigable, she dedicated her life to the betterment of this community. Her spirit and memory will remain as an inspiration.” And, indeed, Mr. Cox’s prediction came to be with the establishment of the Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts in 1965.
In the short video below from the 50th anniversary of the Foundation, the arts express the importance of Miriam to their success.