Frances Helen Brace was born September 11, 1838, to Harvey and Hannah Thorston Brace in Rochester, New York.

She worked several years as a teacher before marrying Beloit College professor Joseph Emerson on July 9, 1884.

Helen developed a strong belief in art education while a school teacher and collected art and art books. At Beloit College Helen worked to develop an art department, donating her personal collection of photographs, art books and pieces of art to Beloit College in order to start the school’s art collection.

It was through her dedicated efforts that the art department grew in size and reputation and that the college’s art collection led to the development of the Wright Museum of Art.

Upon her death in 1920 Helen Brace Emerson willed her property as a permanent endowment to the college’s art collection.