Helen Hope Montgomery Scott - Socialite & Philanthropist

Hope Scott - Villanova

Helen Hope Montgomery Scott was once called "the unofficial queen of Philadelphia's WASP oligarchy”. She is most famous as the inspiration for the main character in Philip Barry's play, The Philadelphia Story, which was made into a film of the same name with Katherine Hepburn playing her character, and a musical, High Society, with Grace Kelly as Hope Scott.

Scott was born in 1904, one of four children of Robert L. Montgomery and Charlotte Hope Montgomery. She married Edgar Scott, an investment banker and heir to a railroad fortune and lived on a 750 acre estate in Radnor, Delaware County, where she entertained notables of society, government and the arts including Cole Porter and Katherine Hepburn. The family portraits on the wall were by notable artists such as Thomas Sully, Gilbert Stuart and Charles Wilson Peale.

Hope Scott was a principle organizer of the Devon Horse Show, which raises funds for Bryn Mawr Hospital. She served as a director of the United States Equestrian Team and of the American Horse Show Association. It is said that she was a warm and welcoming lady who was knowledgeable and enthusiastic on many subjects and had a good sense of humor.