Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America
Archives related to: Rosenwald, Lessing J. (Lessing Julius), 1891-1979
| title | Papers of Lessing J. Rosenwald, 1819-1979 (bulk 1932-1979). |
| repository | Library of Congress |
| description | Correspondence, subject files, speeches and writings, printed material, and other papers relating to Rosenwald's career with Sears, Roebuck & Co.; his activities on behalf of various Jewish causes and opposition to Zionism; his public service work with the National Recovery Administration and the War Production Board; his various charitable, educational, and cultural philanthropies; and his work as a bibliographer and collector of books and prints. Subjects include Alvethorpe Park, Jenkintown, Pa., the America First Committee, isolationism, American Council for Judaism, Citizens Committee on Displaced Persons, refugee relief and immigration, International Congress of Bibliophiles, Library of Congress, National Gallery of Art, Philip H. & A.S.W. Rosenbach Foundation, and Julius Rosenwald Fund. Correspondents include Cyrus Adler, Jacob Billikopf, Catherine Drinker Bowen, Julian P. Boyd, Joseph S. Clark, Richardson Dilworth, William J. Donovan, Dwight D. Eisenhower, H. Wendell Endicott, Abraham Flexner, Felix Frankfurter, Ellis A. Gimbel, Frederick Richmond Goff, Emerson Greenaway, Teddy Kollek, Morris S. Lazaron, Fred Lazarus (1884-1973), Herbert H. Lehman, Jacob M. Loeb, Paul Mellon, William Claire Menninger, Julian Morgenstern, Reinhold Niebuhr, Eugene Ormandy, George Wharton Pepper, Isidore S. Radvin, David Rockefeller, John D. Rockefeller (1874-1960), Eleanor Roosevelt, Philip H. Rosenbach, Edith Goodkind Rosenwald, William Rosenwald, D. Hays Solis-Cohen, Horace Stern, Edward R. Stettinius, Lewis L. Strauss, Harry S. Truman, Sidney J. Weinberg, Edwin Wolf, and Robert Elkington Wood. Transfers: Items have been transferred from the Manuscript Division to other custodial divisions of the Library. Photographs have been transferred to the Prints and Photographs Division. A recorded tape has been transferred to the Motion Picture, Broadcasting, and Recorded Sound Division. All transfers are identified in these divisions as part of the Rosenwald Papers. |
| extent | 32.6 linear feet |
| formats | Correspondence Subject Files Writings Business Records Ephemera |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions. |
| record source | http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms006033 |
| finding aid | Finding aid available in the Library of Congress Manuscript Reading Room and on Internet |
| acquisition information | The papers of Lessing J. Rosenwald, bibliophile, businessman, and philanthropist, were given to the Library of Congress by the Rosenwald estate between 1980 and 1983. The material was received by the Rare Book and Special Collections Division and subsequently transferred to the Manuscript Division. |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:32 |
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| title | Frank Weitenkampf letters, 1889-1942. |
| repository | Archives of American Art |
| description | Letters to Weitenkampf, mainly from artists and collectors concerning examples of their works in the library's collection. Among the correspondents are: John Taylor Arms, Samuel Putnam Avery, John W. Beatty, George Bellows, Frank W. Benson, George Biddle, James Britton, George Elmer Browne, Mary Cassatt, Royal Cortissoz, Frederick K. Detwiller, Olin Dows, Kerr Eby, Daniel C. French, Arnold Genthe, George O. Hart, Malvina Hoffman, Edward Hopper, Daniel Huntington, Rockwell Kent, Frederick Keppel, Richard Lahey, Will H. Low, Louis Lozowick, H. Siddons Mowbray, Frank A. Nankivell, Thomas W. Nason, Joseph Pennell, Preston Powers, Henry Ward Ranger, William T. Richards, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Lessing J. Rosenwald,Peter F. Rothermel, William Sartain, George H. Smillie, James D. Smillie, Harry Sternberg, Albert Sterner, Lorado Taft, Abbott H. Thayer, Dwight W. Tryon, Douglas Volk, Olin L. Warner, John F. Weir, Julian A. Weir, Harry Wickey, Irving R. Wiles, Thomas W. Wood, Charles H. Woodbury, George H. Yewell, Mahonri M. Young, and others. Bio/History: Curator; New York City. Chief of the Prints Division, New York Public Library. |
| extent | 1000 items (on partial microfilm reel) reel N3 (frames 230-1478) and N25 (frames 1369, 1381) |
| formats | Microfilm Correspondence |
| access | Patrons must use microfilm copy. |
| record link | n/a |
| record source | https://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/frank-weitenkampf-letters-9862 |
| finding aid | List of correspondents available at AAA offices, filed New York Public Library, Manuscript Division. |
| acquisition information | Microfilmed 1956 by the Archives of American Art with other art-related papers in the Manuscript Division of the New York Public Library. Included in the microfilming project were selected papers of the Art Division and the Prints Division. Originals in the New York Public Library, Manuscript Division. |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:32 |
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| title | Lessing J. Rosenwald interview, 1970 Aug. 18. |
| repository | Archives of American Art |
| description | An interview of Lessing J. Rosenwald conducted by Judith Goldman. |
| extent | 1 sound cassette. |
| formats | Sound Recording |
| access | Untranscribed; use requires an appointment. |
| record source | http://www.siris.si.edu/ |
| acquisition information | Provenance unknown. |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:32 |
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| title | Jacques Callot [exhibition records]: a selection of prints from the Collections of Rudolf L. Baumfeld and Lessing J. Rosenwald. |
| repository | National Gallery of Canada |
| description | TEXTUAL RECORDS one (1) exhibition file folder; one (1) clippings file folder; one (1) archival copy of the exhibition catalogue entitled Jacques Callot: a selection of prints from the collection of Rudolf L. Baumbeld and Lessing J. Rosenwald. [Washington: National Gallery of Art, 1963] 48 p., ill. Notes: Exhibition organized to mark the donation of Rudolf L. Baumfeld's collection of Callot prints to the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Shown at the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Ont., Feb. 12,-Mar. 14, 1965. |
| extent | 1.3 cm of textual records. |
| formats | Exhibition Files Exhibition Catalogs |
| access | National Gallery of Canada records are subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. Researchers must make an appointment with the Archivist in order to consult these records. |
| record source | http://firstsearch.oclc.org |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:32 |
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| title | The life of Christ [exhibition records]: prints from the Rosenwald collection. |
| repository | National Gallery of Art, Library |
| description | TEXTUAL RECORDS: two (2) exhibition file folders, one (1) folder contains an exhibition information package by the American Federation of Arts. Notes: Exhibition comprised of fifty-five wood-cuts, etchings, engravings and lithographs from the Lessing J. Rosenwald collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Shown at the Calgary Allied Arts Centre, Calgary, Alta., Oct. 30-Nov. 20, 1959; Edmonton Art Gallery, Edmonton, Alta., Nov. 30-Dec. 27, 1959; Sackville Art Association, Sackville, N.B., Feb. 5-26, 1960; Winnipeg Art Gallery, Winnipeg, Man., Apr. 1-22, 1960. |
| extent | 1.5 cm of textual records. |
| formats | Exhibition Files |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record source | http://firstsearch.oclc.org |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:32 |
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| title | Correspondence with Carl Zigrosser, 1941-1971, n.d. |
| repository | University of Pennsylvania |
| description | Lessing J. Rosenwald was one of the most prominent private print collectors in the United States. A benefactor of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rosenwald and Carl Zigrosser were associated with one another through the Museum, Rosenwald’s Alverthorpe Gallery, and the Print Council of America. Their correspondence concerns gifts, exhibitions and acquisitions for the museum, as well as meetings, minutes and programs of the Print Council. Along with their personal correspondence, these files contain carbons and drafts of letters from Zigrosser to Rosenwald, some clippings and programs,and a file of reception photographs. Contained in: Carl Zigrosser Papers, ca. 1891-1971. Folders 1463-1465. Location: Rare Book & Ms Library Manuscripts Call Number: Ms. Coll. 6 Other Contributors: Alverthorpe Gallery (Jenkintown, Pa.). Print Council of America. Philadelphia Museum of Art. |
| extent | 207 items (238 leaves and 26 photographs). |
| formats | Correspondence Photographs |
| access | In general, the Carl Zigrosser Papers may be examined by qualified researchers in the reading room of the Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Pennsylvania. Photocopying of Zigrosser materials is at the discretion of the Rare Book and Manuscript Library. The receipt of photocopies does not grant publication rights without the written permission of the University of Pennsylvania and the literary executors of the authors in question. |
| record source | http://www.franklin.library.upenn.edu/ |
| finding aid | Online and in repository |
| acquisition information | Gift, Carl Zigrosser, June 1972. |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:32 |
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| title | Notes for and draft of article concerning the printing of the composite woodcut illustrations in Comoediae of Terentius by Johannes Grüninger (Strassburg, 1496), 1970s. |
| repository | University of Pennsylvania |
| description | Notes for and draft of article concerning the printing of the composite woodcut illustrations in Comoediae of Terentius by Johannes Grüninger (Strassburg, 1496), 1970s. |
| extent | See repository for details |
| formats | Notes |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record source | http://www.franklin.library.upenn.edu/ |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:39 |
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| title | Lessing J. Rosenwald Papers, 1922-1980. |
| repository | National Gallery of Art, Archives |
| description | The papers document the art collecting activities of Lessing J. Rosenwald, inclusive dates 1922-1980. The subject chronological records include files about the management of the Alverthorpe Gallery and its collection and extensive correspondence files with dealers about acquisitions and with institutions about exhibitions, gifts, and loans of art. Additional records series include subject files containing correspondence with miscellaneous institutions, photographs of Alverthorpe Gallery, and prints and drawings accession books from 1940-1958; reference files about various graphic arts subjects; exhibition files from 1929 through 1962 which include press clippings and catalogues; scrapbooks of clippings about various art subjects; and accession cards from the Alverthorpe Gallery. Historical Note Lessing J. Rosenwald gave his first gift of 30 prints to the National Gallery of Art in 1941. In 1943, he donated his collection of 6,500 prints, paintings, and sculpture, as well as materials relating to the art collection, to the National Gallery of Art and donated his rare book collection and related materials to the Library of Congress. Rosenwald continued to supplement his original gift to the National Gallery; the National Gallery's Rosenwald Collection would eventually include approximately 27,000 works of art. Notes The personal papers of Lessing J. Rosenwald are at the Library of Congress |
| extent | 67.5 cu ft |
| formats | Correspondence Financial Records Legal Papers Subject Files Photographs |
| access | The papers are open to research |
| finding aid | Finding aid available in the Gallery Archives and upon request |
| acquisition information | The files came to the National Gallery of Art in 1979 after the death of Lessing J. Rosenwald and the closing of the Alverthorpe Gallery. |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:45 |
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| title | Fiske Kimball Records, 1908-1955, n.d. (bulk 1925-1954) |
| repository | Philadelphia Museum of Art |
| description | From 1925 to 1955, Fiske Kimball (1888-1955) served as director of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, steering the institution from what he described as "a minor provincial position to become one of the leading museums of America." The Fiske Kimball Records document Kimball's efforts in achieving this transformation in collaboration with the Museum's officers, staff, and the Fairmount Park Commission, and with the assistance of private benefactors and City funding. Comprised primarily of correspondence, these records also include ephemera, clippings, notes, legal documents, reports, minutes, press releases, publications, floor plans, installation drawings, and photographs, mostly of objects, rooms and architectural elements offered for purchase. Kimball's correspondents include preeminent leaders of art museums, universities, auction houses and professional affiliations, as well as government representatives, private collectors, scholars, and artists. Kimball's often successful courting of potential donors of objects and contributors of funds is well represented, as well as his efforts to secure labor funded by the Works Progress Administration. In addition to the refinement and expansion of the Museum's holdings, the development of various departments and offices is also documented, and to a lesser extent other related facilities. |
| extent | 94.5 linear feet |
| formats | Correspondence Clippings Ephemera Legal Papers Photographs |
| access | The collection is open for research. Certain fragile material may only be consulted with permission of the Archivist. |
| record link | http://www.philamuseum.org/pma_archives/ead.php?c=FKR&p=hn |
| record source | http://www.philamuseum.org/archives/findingaids.html |
| finding aid | Available online |
| acquisition information | Bequeathed by Fiske Kimball, 1955. |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:48 |
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| title | Evan H. Turner Records, 1964-1978 |
| repository | Philadelphia Museum of Art |
| description | Evan H. Turner (born 1927), an art historian and scholar, was the Director of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) from 1964 to 1978, leading the Museum through a period of significant growth and transformation. He created new art departments for American and 20th Century Art, and the innovative Department of Urban Outreach (DUO) to promote art across the City of Philadelphia. These progressive activities were matched by a groundbreaking exhibition in 1973, the Marcel Duchamp retrospective, which drew upon significant scholarship and assembled virtually the entire oeuvre of one of the most important artists represented in the Museum. In 1975, Turner led the Museum in a major construction project to install a new climate control system in the building, and in 1976, he helped plan the United States’ Bicentennial and the PMA’s Centennial celebrations. Turner was an active member of a number of professional organizations, as well as a professor at the University of Pennsylvania. The Evan H. Turner records document Turner’s tenure as Director of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) from 1934 to 1978 (bulk: 1964-1978). A mix of correspondence, inter-office memoranda, reports, minutes and other records provide ample evidence of Turner’s leading position in the Museum’s growth and transformation during that time, as well as exhibition and event planning, and the daily operations of the Museum. The collection also documents Turner’s work with professional organizations, his efforts to help the City plan the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations, and his professorship at the University of Pennsylvania. |
| extent | 146 linear feet |
| formats | Correspondence Memoranda Reports |
| access | This collection is open for research use. |
| record link | http://hdl.library.upenn.edu/1017/d/pacscl/PMA_PMA004 |
| record source | http://dla.library.upenn.edu/dla/pacscl/index.html |
| finding aid | Available as a PACSCL finding aid on the Penn Libraries Web site. |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:48 |
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