This timeline explores Feynman's personal life, highlighting his relationships, marriages, and experiences outside of the scientific realm.
Marriage to Arline Greenbaum
1942
Feynman married Arline Greenbaum, his high school sweetheart, despite her being diagnosed with tuberculosis. Their marriage was unconventional but deeply loving. He took her to a hospital near Los Alamos during the Manhattan Project so he could visit her more often.
Death of Arline
October 7, 1945
Arline Greenbaum Feynman died from tuberculosis. Her death deeply affected Feynman, and he carried her memory throughout his life. He wrote her letters after her passing, expressing his love and grief, which were discovered after his own death.
Brief Marriage to Mary Louise Bell
1952
Feynman briefly married Mary Louise Bell. This marriage was short-lived and ended in divorce a few years later. Mary claimed that Feynman was too absorbed in his work, and that he would not let her have a place as an equal in the relationship.
Marriage to Gweneth Howarth
1960
Feynman married Gweneth Howarth, an English woman who shared his intellectual curiosity and sense of adventure. They remained married until his death and had a daughter, Michelle, and adopted son, Carl.
Raising Michelle and Carl
Fatherhood
Feynman was a devoted father to his children, Michelle and Carl. He encouraged their interests and nurtured their intellectual development. He taught them about science and encouraged their creativity.
Hobbies and Interests
Throughout his life
Feynman had a wide range of hobbies and interests, including playing the bongo drums, drawing, cracking safes, and learning different languages. He was a curious and adventurous individual who embraced life with enthusiasm.