Edith Kinney Gaylord

Class of
2012
Edith Kinney Gaylord

Edith Kinney Gaylord

“I was born into the newspaper business. I will die a newsperson no matter what I’m doing. That happens to be my deepest love and concern.”
Edith Kinney Gaylord

Biography

Edith Kinney Gaylord was a pioneer journalist and philanthropist with a life-long passion for the news business. She was born in Oklahoma City to Inez Kinney Gaylord and E.K. Gaylord, the editor and publisher of The Daily Oklahoman and The Oklahoma City Times. She attended Colorado College, where she later served as trustee, and in 1937 graduated from Wells College. Gaylord was the first woman on the general news staff of the Associated Press Washington Bureau. An early assignment to cover First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s press conferences quickly developed into a close friendship. Gaylord became the First Lady’s media liaison and then secretary of Eleanor Roosevelt’s Press Conference Association. In 1944, she was elected president of the Women’s National Press Club. Over her lifetime, Gaylord supported many organizations and projects, often anonymously. Her interests, ranging from education and health to the arts and environment, were diverse. In 1982, she founded two foundations to carry on her giving. Through Inasmuch Foundation, her legacy continues to lessen suffering and enrich the quality of lives it touches. Investments of Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation build the ethics, skills, and opportunities needed to advance principled, probing news and information. To date, giving from both foundations exceeds $222 million.

Fun fact

Hired by the Associated Press in New York City, Gaylord became the first woman on the general news staff. She developed a lasting friendship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt following her early coverage of the First Lady’s press conferences focusing on women and legislation and ultimately became the first lady’s media liaison and secretary of Eleanor Roosevelt’s Press Conference Association.

Oklahoma connections

An Oklahoma City native, Edith Kinney Gaylord was one of three children born to Inez and E. K. Gaylord, publisher of The Daily Oklahoman and The Oklahoma City Times newspapers.

Hometown

Oklahoma City

Profession

Journalist, Philanthropist

Presenter

Born

1916

Died

2001

Relevant Exhibits

Edith Kinney Gaylord: The Twentieth Century Through Her Eyes

Edith Kinney Gaylord: The Twentieth Century Through Her Eyes

The exhibit focuses on Gaylord's coverage of major mid-twentieth century events. Gaylord's life exemplifies a spirit of generosity and curiosity about the world.