Ruggles, Ruth (1880-1974)
Dates
- Existence: 1880 - 1974
Biography
For thirty-five years, Ruth Ruggles was the CMA’s head of the Section of Circulating Exhibits. She was responsible for selecting and delivering 16,000 paintings, drawings and prints circulated to schools and libraries from 1918 to 1947. She transitioned to part-time as supervisor of special exhibits in the Educational Department, from 1948 to 1953.
The CMA was one of the first to place exhibits in libraries and schools. The circulating collection ranged from ancient Egyptian material to twentieth century crafts, largely purchased by Ruggles while on European trips and funded by gifts from individuals and estates. The Circulating Division also managed the Mary A. Warner Collection of paintings which belonged to the City of Cleveland.
Ruggles came to Cleveland as a child from Vermont. From 1914 to 1919 she worked in the children’s room at the Cleveland Public Library. During 1918 she was employed by both the library and the museum. Her husband, Edd A. Ruggles, was the CMA’s photographer and head of its printing department. Ruth Ruggles was a charter member of the Women’s City Club and active on its Arts Exhibits Committee. She died in 1974, preceded by her husband, who died in 1940.
-Biography by Anne Cuyler Salsich, 2025