George Foster Peabody was an American businessman and philanthropist, born on April 27, 1852, in Massachusetts. He made his fortune in the investment banking industry and was a partner at the firm Peabody, Houghton & Co.. His success allowed him to contribute significantly to various charitable causes. Peabody is best known for establishing the Peabody Education Fund in 1867, which aimed to improve education in the Southern United States after the Civil War. He also founded the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, promoting music and arts education. His legacy continues through numerous educational initiatives and institutions.