Robert Woods Bliss

Robert Woods Bliss (August 5, 1875 – April 19, 1962) was chief of Western European Affairs in the U.S. State Department from 1920 to 1923 when he was appointed Minister of Sweden. From 1927 to 1933 he served as U.S. Ambassador to Argentina. Bliss and his wife, Mildred Barnes Bliss, collected pre-Columbian and Byzantine art for many years. In 1940 Bliss donated his estate, Dumbarton Oaks, his art collection, and a research library to Harvard University.

Early life Robert Woods Bliss was born on August 5, 1875, in St. Louis, Missouri, to William Henry Bliss. His father worked as district attorney in St. Louis. He was educated at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. Bliss graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College in 1900.

Career From 1900 to 1901, Bliss worked in the office of the secretary of Puerto Rico. He then became private secretary to the governor of Puerto Rico. In 1903, he was appointed as consul at Venice. He was secretary and later counselor of the embassy at Paris and remained there in World War I. He was in charge of ceremonies and protocol during the Washington Naval Conference from 1921 to 1922. In 1927, Bliss was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Argentina. He served in that post until his retirement in 1933. His sister Annie Louise married writer Charles Warren.

Bliss died on April 19, 1962, at his home on 28th Street in Washington, D.C.