Samuel H. Kress was an American businessman and art collector, best known for founding the Kress Stores, a chain of five-and-dime retail shops. Born in 1863, he built his fortune through these stores, which offered affordable goods to the public. Kress was also a significant philanthropist, using his wealth to support the arts. In 1929, Kress established the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, which aimed to promote the arts and education. His collection of European paintings and sculptures was donated to various museums, including the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., enriching the cultural landscape of the United States.