Director’s Foreword

Muriel “Mickie” Siebert transformed what was possible for women in American finance. In 1967, she became the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange—shattering a long-standing gender barrier and marking a turning point in women’s participation in business and finance. As the founder of her own brokerage firm and later as New York State’s Superintendent of Banks, Siebert combined financial insight with a commitment to public service. She championed opportunities for women entering the business world and served as a mentor, advocate, and role model.

Baker Library is pleased to present Muriel Siebert: Redefining Power and Possibility on Wall Street, an exhibition that traces Siebert’s remarkable career. Through photographs, correspondence, business records, and media coverage, the exhibition highlights not only her achievements but also the broader social and economic currents of her time and illustrates her significant role in reshaping the modern financial landscape.

In 2019, the Muriel F. Siebert Foundation donated Muriel Siebert’s archives to Baker Library. The extensive Muriel Siebert Collection documents her personal and professional life in remarkable depth. We are deeply grateful to Jane Macon and Patricia Francy, co-executors of the Siebert Foundation, for their commitment to preserving these materials and entrusting them to Harvard Business School—along with sharing their many stories that brought Mickie Siebert vividly to life. The collection stands as a cornerstone of Baker Library’s efforts to document the contributions of women in business.

We extend our sincere thanks to Peter Asch, Head of Content at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and David D’Onofrio, Manager of the NYSE Archives, for loaning materials that enrich the narrative. We are grateful to David J. Cowen, President and CEO, and Kristin Aguilera, Deputy Director, of the Museum of American Finance for permission to include a recorded interview with Muriel Siebert in which she reflects on her long and distinguished career.

Special appreciation goes to Melissa Banta, the exhibition curator, whose thoughtful research and deep engagement with the Siebert Collection shaped this exhibition and catalog. I also want to extend my sincere thanks to all the members of the exhibition team—Melissa Murphy, Debra Cuoco, Karen Golden, and Jennifer Wilson. Each team member played a crucial role in the success of this project, and their contributions are deeply appreciated. Ken Peterson, Executive Director of Baker Library, offered invaluable guidance and steadfast encouragement.

Muriel Siebert: Redefining Power and Possibility on Wall Street is made possible through the generosity of the de Gaspé Beaubien Family Endowment at the Harvard Business School. I would like to thank the members of the de Gaspé Beaubien family for their continued commitment to the work of Special Collections and Archives at Baker Library. Their support and enthusiasm have been invaluable throughout the years.

Laura Linard
Senior Director, Baker Library
Special Collections and Archives
January 2026