Barbara Handman
American activist and political consultant (1928–2013)
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Barbara "Bobbie" Handman (March 11, 1928[1] – November 14, 2013) was an American political consultant and arts activist, known for her role in preserving historic Broadway theater houses. She was the executive vice-president and New York City office director of People for the American Way from 1981 until 2003.[2][3]
March 11, 1928
Barbara Handman | |
|---|---|
| Born | Barbara Ann Schlein March 11, 1928 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | November 14, 2013 (aged 85) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Other names | Bobbie |
| Occupations | Arts activist, political consultant |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
Formative years and family
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 11, 1928,[4] Handman was the wife of stage director and teacher Wynn Handman.
Handman's daughter, Laura Handman, is married to Harold M. Ickes.[4]
Career
In 1982, Handman helped to found Save the Theatres, an organization that tried unsuccessfully to prevent the razing of the Morosco, Helen Hayes, and Bijou Theaters.[5][6] In 1988, the group succeeded in having twenty-eight Broadway houses designated as landmarks by the New York City Board of Estimate.[7]
Handman served on the board of the Eleanor Roosevelt Foundation and on the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Commission.[8]
She was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1998 for her work as an arts advocate.[4]
Death
Handman died in New York City on November 14, 2013.[4]