Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America
Archives related to: Mayer, Grace M.
| title | Grace M. Mayer Papers, 1929-1997 | repository | The Museum of Modern Art |
| description | The collected papers and photography collection of Grace M. Mayer gather together a lifetime of both professional and personal work. These provide a broad overview of her curatorial activities for the Department of Photography at The Museum of Modern Art including her unpublished research and writing on the life of Edward Steichen and a rich study collection of photographs by many diverse international photographers. Her career is especially distinguished by her work in maintaining the Edward Steichen Archive at The Museum of Modern Art and her command of details pertaining to Steichen's life which is evident throughout her papers. The Papers are arranged to give special emphasis to Mayer's work as Curator of the Edward Steichen Archive and are organized into nine series and two addenda: Series I: Steichen Correspondence; Series II: Steichen's Death; Series III: Steichen's Way; Series IV: Museum Work; Series V: Personal; Series VI: Printed Material; Series VII: Photographs; Series VIII: Artwork; Series IX: Oversized Material; Addendum A. Miles Barth Gift, Addendum B. Office Books and Periodicals and Addendum C. Collection Prints. Series III: Steichen Correspondence, as well as folder V.10 in Series V. Personal, is currently closed to researchers. Addendum C. Collection Prints provides a cataloged record of Mayer's collection of over 1,000 photographs housed in the Department of Photography, separately from the papers. It is a unique collection in that the majority of works are inscribed by the photographers, many of whom were close friends. The bulk of the Papers focus on details of Edward Steichen's life. It was through her position as Curator of the Edward Steichen Archive that Mayer came in touch with people who assisted her in attaining facts about his life. These people often became friends of Mayer, and included Steichen family members such as his daughters Kate Rodina Steichen and Mary Steichen-Calderone; associates of Steichen's such as his two technical assistants Rolf P. Petersen and Noel H. Deeks; his friend and fellow photographer, Wayne Miller; and other colleagues in the field of photography including: Davis Pratt, Curator of Photographs at Beinecke Rare Book Library, Yale University; photographer Gisèle Freund; fellow researchers Ronald Gedrim and Maynard P. White Jr. (also the grandson of the photographer Clarence H. White); and photography enthusiast and author, Inge Bondi. Many of these letters contain historical accounts of Steichen's life. The writings of Rolf P. Petersen and Noel H. Deeks record various darkroom techniques, discussing technical matters in printing and chemical formulas, as well as opinions on Steichen and his career as a photographer. The letters from his daughters provide quick date references and personal reminiscences of their father. Frankness and intimacy of correspondents is prevalent in both Mayer's professional and personal correspondence. Mayer's collection of photographs consists predominately of gelatin silver prints received as gifts from the photographers. Largely collected here are the work of John Albok, Sonja Bullaty and Angelo Lomeo, Norbert Buchsbaum, Lucien Clergue, Bruce Davidson, Yasuhiro Ishimoto, Lotte Jacobi, Lennart Olson, Edward Steichen, Josef Sudek, and Jerry Uelsmann. Many of the prints were personally inscribed to Mayer by the photographers. Her correspondence with photographers mainly comprises short greetings and newsy accounts of their travels, exhibitions and personal matters. Included along with the correspondence and photographs in the collection is a bibliography of Edward Steichen's published work and a chronology of his life, documented on index cards; manuscripts; clippings; notes; printed material (including auction sale catalogs, periodicals, and exhibition announcements) and artwork (including graphite and ink drawings, etchings, and watercolor paintings). Missing from the Grace M. Mayer Papers are items related to her early curatorial involvement at MoMA. In the Department of Photography Mayer's notes and correspondence are found in the Departmental Files and the Bio-Files (a collection of artists' biographical information, including exhibition announcements, clippings, correspondence and press releases). Notes: The Museum Archives includes a copy of an Oral History conducted with Grace M. Mayer by Sharon Zane in 1991. In the Oral History Mayer reflects on her years at The Museum of Modern Art. The institutional records at the Museum of the City of New York contain Mayer correspondence. |
| extent | 28.5 linear feet of records and Twenty museum cases of photographs |
| formats | Correspondence Manuscript Clippings Subject Files Artwork |
| access | This collection is open for research, with the exception of restricted material, Series III. Steichen's Way and folder V.C.10 of Series V. Personal. For further information, please consult the Museum Archivist. Series VII. Photographs Subseries A. Collection Prints is housed in the Department of Photography. Please, contact the Department of Photography to view these materials. |
| record link | http://www.moma.org/research/archives/EAD/Mayerf.html |
| record source | http://www.moma.org/research/archives/ |
| finding aid | Available via the MoMA Archives Web site and located in the repository |
| acquisition information | The Grace M. Mayer Papers were acquired as a bequest from Grace M. Mayer. |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:34 |
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| title | From the Grace M. Mayer Collection. 1997: Archives pamphlet file: miscellaneous uncataloged material. | repository | The Museum of Modern Art |
| description | The folder may include announcements, clippings, press releases, brochures, reviews, invitations, and other ephemeral material about this exhibition. Location MoMA Manhattan Archives Pamphlet File Call Number MoMA 1769x |
| extent | 1 folder |
| formats | Ephemera |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record source | https://library.nyarc.org/permalink/01NYA_INST/ai54l4/alma991011515769707141 |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:35 |
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| title | Emily A. Francis papers, 1930-1964. | repository | Archives of American Art |
| description | Emily A. Francis (1879-1966) was the founder and director of the gallery Contemporary Arts, New York, N.Y. Organizational records of Francis's gallery, Contemporary Arts, and related gallery, Collectors of American Art. Includes correspondence with artists, museums, galleries, members, and others, including Isabel Bishop, Roger Holt, Pietro Lazzari, Charles Logasa, and Grace Mayer; annual reports; minutes of meetings; financial records; an address book; membership lists; typescripts of lectures and radio talks given by Francis; scrapbooks containing exhibition catalogs, clippings, photographs, and letters; copies of THE BULLETIN (1938-1948--incomplete run); leases and legal documents; and miscellaneous printed materials. |
| extent | 5.5 linear ft. (on 5 microfilm reels) reels D224-D226 & D232-D233 |
| formats | Correspondence Financial Records Clippings Photographs Scrapbooks |
| access | Patrons must use microfilm copy. |
| record source | https://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/emily-francis-papers-8123 |
| finding aid | Microfilm inventory available at all Archives of American Art offices. |
| acquisition information | Donated 1965 by Emily A. Francis. |
| updated | 04/24/2025 09:08:29 |
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| title | Nathalie Bailey Morris photographs of American Gothic Revival architecture, 1853-1937 | repository | Columbia University Libraries |
| description | Morris' photographs (undated, ca. 1930s-1940s), of largely late nineteenth century buildings, mostly residences, in the Hudson River Valley, New York City, eastern Westchester County, and a few buildings in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Approximately 750 views of ca. 60 buildings. Buildings depicted include Lyndhurst, Irvington, N.Y.; Fonthill Castle, Bronx, N.Y.; Lovat, Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.; Hurst Pierpont, Garrison, N.Y.; Belvoir, Yonkers, N.Y.; Beechwood, Yonkers, N.Y.; Mount Ida, Troy, N.Y.; and others. Of note are nine photographs of the official opening of the George Washington Bridge. Some eighteenth century, and one seventeenth century (the Christopher Billop House, near Tottenville, Staten Island, built ca. 1699) buildings are depicted. Miscellaneous postcards, notes, clippings, and printed material about the houses are included. Also, letters to Morris about the houses from John Mead Howells; J. J. Champenois; Renwick, Aspinwall, and Guard; Isaac Newton Phelps Stokes; Grace M. Mayer (Museum of the City of New York); Robert B. Stearns; Miss E.C. Austin; and Cornelius Kolff. |
| extent | .8 cubic ft. |
| formats | Photographs Personal Papers Postcards Correspondence |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record link | https://findingaids.library.columbia.edu/archives/cul-3460635 |
| record source | https://clio.columbia.edu/catalog/3460635 |
| finding aid | Finding available online and at repository. |
| updated | 04/15/2025 11:55:54 |
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| title | Edward Steichen Archive, [ca. 1900]-1986, [ca. 1900]-1960 (bulk) | repository | The Museum of Modern Art |
| description | The collection consists principally of printed matter, especially news clippings and articles about Steichen's varied and long career. Some of the numerous subjects dealt with are the Photo-Secession and "291" galleries in which modern artists such as Henri Matisse, Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, Constantin Brancusi, John Marin, and Alfred Maurer were introduced to the United States (represented by correspondence between Steichen and Alfred Stieglitz); (cont.) Steichen's involvement in World Wars I and II including a day-by-day log he maintained about his experiences in the Navy and published under the title THE BLUE GHOST, his personal military papers, and information about a film he worked on called THE FIGHTING LADY. Also, the design of pianos and silk fabrics (samples of silk are in the collection), introduction of a new type of fashion design in 1911; his involvement with horticulture and research on Delphinium; popular "Family of Man" photograph exhibition held at the Museum of Modern Art; articles by and about Steichen; paintings he made; and a film he made called THE LITTLE TREE. The collection also includes photographs of paintings, sculptures, and other photographs artists made of Steichen; photographs of some of his paintings; family and personal papers relating to his early life; honorary degrees and awards; and his mother's scrapbook consisting of news clippings about Steichen's exhibitions and photographic work and his experiences with modern art in France. In addition, information about the court case Brancusi vs. the United States which permitted works of art to be brought into the United States free of customs duty. Also, audio tapes and some transcripts of interviews with him; information about his autobiography, A LIFE IN PHOTOGRAPHY; letters Steichen wrote to his brother-in-law, Carl Sandburg; catalogs of his exhibitions and those he promoted; a chronology of Steichen's life assembled by Grace Mayer; and lists of Steichen photographs housed in collections other than the Museum of Modern Art. Reproduction Correspondence between Steichen and Alfred Stieglitz is photocopies. Steichen’s vintage photographs and correspondence are maintained in the Dept. of Photography, Museum of Modern Art. Biographical/historical note Prominent American photographer, Director of the Museum of Modern Art's Dept. of Photography, 1947-1962. Steichen was instrumental in arranging the first showings in America of several innovative European modern artists. He was also a painter and collector of art. Location MoMA Museum Archives Call Number Edward Steich Archive |
| extent | ca. 66 cubic ft. |
| formats | Clippings Correspondence Personal Papers Photographs Sound Recording |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions. |
| record source | http://arcade.nyarc.org/record=b844881~S1 |
| acquisition information | |*N|3MoMA: Papers, correspondence, news clippings, photographs, silk fabric samples, scrapbook, diary, audio tapes|cGift|5NNMoMA |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:35 |
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| title | Lloyd Morris papers, 1916-1954, bulk (1944-1954) (MssCol 2065) | repository | New York Public Library, Manuscripts and Archives Division |
| description | Collection consists of correspondence, manuscripts, legal and financial papers, photographs, and printed matter. Correspondence, 1916-1954, reflects Morris's involvement with literary and theatrical figures. Manuscripts contain a variety of works by Morris, generally in typescript, including book reviews, essays, plays, and his history of the theatre, Curtain Time. Also, appointment and address books, legal and financial papers relating mainly to royalties paid to Morris, photographs of Morris and his family, and clippings. Historical and Biographical Notes: Lloyd R. Morris (1893-1954) was an American author and critic. He wrote critical studies, fiction, plays, and a series of books on American culture. |
| extent | 2 linear feet (5 boxes) |
| formats | Correspondence Legal Papers Financial Records Photographs Printed Materials |
| access | Apply in Special Collections Office for admission to the Manuscripts and Archives Division. |
| record link | http://www.nypl.org/sites/default/files/archivalcollections/pdf/morrisl.pdf |
| record source | http://catalog.nypl.org/record=b11959758~S98 |
| finding aid | Collection guide available in repository and on internet: http://catnyp.nypl.org/search?/.b3398536/.b3398536/1,1,1,B/l856~b3398536&FF=&1,0,,1,0 |
| acquisition information | Received from Steven Radich, 4/8/88. |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:35 |
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| title | Correspondence with Carl Zigrosser, 1957-1971. | repository | Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts |
| description | Biography/History: Grace Mayer was a museum professional. She worked for the Museum of the City of New York and the Museum of Modern Art. Contained in: Carl Zigrosser Papers, ca. 1891-1971. Folder 1109. Location: Rare Book & Ms Library Manuscripts Call Number: Ms. Coll. 6 |
| extent | 11 item (12 leaves) |
| formats | Correspondence |
| access | Contact the repository for access and restrictions. |
| record link | https://findingaids.library.upenn.edu/records/UPENN_RBML_PUSP.MS.COLL.6 |
| record source | https://find.library.upenn.edu/catalog/9915801923503681?hld_id=resource_link_0 |
| finding aid | Finding aid available online and at repository. |
| acquisition information | Gift June 1972 |
| updated | 04/15/2025 11:48:24 |
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| title | Grace M. Mayer interviews, 1970 May 11-1970 May 22. | repository | Archives of American Art |
| description | An interview of Grace M. Mayer conducted by Paul Cummings for the Archives of American Art. Bio / His Notes: Curator, collector; New York, N.Y |
| extent | 2 sound tape reels (4 hours 20 min.) ; 7 in. Transcript: 119 p. |
| formats | Sound Recording Transcript Interviews |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record source | http://www.siris.si.edu/ |
| acquisition information | These interviews are part of the Archives' Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and others. |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:35 |
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| title | Peter Pollack papers, 1939-1979. | repository | Archives of American Art |
| description | Correspondence; photographs; writings and lecture notes; and printed material; and a scrapbook. REEL 822: Ca. 300 personal letters, 1945-1970, to Pollack from painter Richard Florsheim. REELS 2385-2390: Files of correspondence and clippings pertaining to Pollack's career as a curator and photography historian. Most of the files concern Pollack's book THE PICTURE HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY. Other files concern Pollack's work on publications for Harry N. Abrams, Inc., the Worcester Art Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago. Also included are writings and lecture notes; a few letters and clippings from scrapbooks; and miscellany. Correspondents include: Ansel Adams, Gyuia Halasz Brassai, Sylvan Cole, Julio De Diego, Helmut Gernsheim, Philippe Halsman, Dimitrios Harissiadis, Yousuf Karsh, Grace M. Mayer, and Beaumont Newhall. REELS 4886-4887: Personal correspondence, 1954-1976, with Richard Florsheim discussing various career choices and projects, exhibition openings, Florsheim's art dealers, and book projects Florsheim was involved in; project files, 1948-1962, regarding Pollack's position as the New York City-based Public Relations Consultant for the Archives of American Art, the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Guggenheim, and other institutions. Included are letters, news releases, catalogs, announcements and some photographs and clippings of such projects as the International Biennial of Prints and the AAA European art tour trip. Also included is a scrapbook, 1939-1943, concerning exhibitions and activities of the South Side Community Art Center, Chicago, sponsored by the Illinois Art Project of the WPA-FAP and supervised by Pollack, 1938-1942. The center's purpose was to advance African American art and artists. Included are by-laws; letters from Alain Lock, and Richmond Barthe; photographs of Pollack, Jules Carlen, Horace Pippin, Eldier Cortor, Canada Lee, Julio de Diego, Jesus Torres, and Eleanor Roosevelt at the dedication of the center, 1941; a typescript of a lecture by Daniel Catton Rich "The Art Museum and the Community Art Center," delivered at the Museum Director's conference, Detroit Institute of Arts, May 1940, newspaper clippings, exhibition announcements and catalogs and other printed material. Bio / His Notes: Photographer, curator, historian, writer; New York, N.Y. |
| extent | 6.5 linear ft. (microfilmed on 9 reels) reels 822, 2385-2390, and 4886-4887 |
| formats | Microfilm Correspondence Photographs Writings Scrapbooks |
| access | Patrons must use microfilm copy. |
| record source | https://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/peter-pollack-papers-8941 |
| finding aid | Reels 2385-2390: Finding aid available at AAA offices. |
| acquisition information | Material on reels 822 and 4886-4887 donated 1974-1977 by Pollack, except for the scrapbook which was donated by Jane de Hart, an art historian at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who received it from Pollack for her research on African American artists and WPA projects. Material on reels 2385-2390 was lent for microfilming in 1981 by Creilly Pollack, Pollack's widow. Location of Original: Reels 2385-2390: Originals returned to Creilly Pollack after microfilming. |
| updated | 04/24/2025 09:08:29 |
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| title | Robert Frank miscellaneous acquisitions collection, 1967-[ongoing]. | repository | The University of Arizona, Center for Creative Photography |
| description | Audio tapes of dialogues with Frank at a workshop (1967) at George Eastman House, Rochester, N.Y., and other material relating to the workshop; together with photocopies of transcripts of interviews conducted for a videotape, Fire in the Sky: A Portrait of Robert Frank, prepared in conjunction with an exhibition (1986) of Frank's work at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Interviewees include Emile De Antonio, Elliot Erwitt, Lou Faurer, Miles Forst, Ralph Gibson, Allen Ginsberg, Brian Graham, Ed Grazda, Walter Gutman, Raoul Hague, Sid Kaplan, June Leaf, Cynthia MacAdams, Grace Mayer, Jonas Mekas, Duane Michals, Gunther Moses, Lou Silverstein, John Szarkowski, and Rudy Wurlitzer Notes: In part, photocopies. Historical and Biographical Notes: Photographer and filmmaker; b. 1924. |
| extent | 1.25 linear ft. |
| formats | Sound Recording |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record link | https://arizona-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/6ljalh/01UA_ALMA21423262240003843 |
| record source | https://aspace.ccp.arizona.edu/repositories/2/resources/40 |
| finding aid | Finding aid in the repository. |
| acquisition information | Acquired from various sources. Additions expected. |
| updated | 04/15/2025 11:55:54 |
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| title | Archives pamphlet file: Mayer, Grace M.: miscellaneous uncataloged material. | repository | The Museum of Modern Art |
| description | The folder may include clippings, correspondence, memoranda, press releases, brochures, announcements, reviews, invitations, obituaries and other ephemeral material relevant to the Museum of Modern Art, New York, and its history. Location MoMA Manhattan Archives Pamphlet File Call Number Mayer, Grace M. |
| extent | 1 folder |
| formats | Ephemera |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record source | https://library.nyarc.org/permalink/01NYA_INST/ai54l4/alma991011483759707141 |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:35 |
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| title | Letter, 1945, to Lewis Mumford. | repository | Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts |
| description | Correspondence to Lewis Mumford from Grace M. Mayer, Curator of Prints, Museum of the City of New York. Contained in: Lewis Mumford Papers, ca. 1905-1987. Folder 3463. Location: Rare Book & Ms Library Manuscripts Call Number: Ms. Coll. 2 |
| extent | 1 item : (1 l.) |
| formats | Correspondence |
| access | Contact the repository for access and restrictions. |
| record link | https://findingaids.library.upenn.edu/records/UPENN_RBML_PUSP.MS.COLL.2 |
| record source | https://find.library.upenn.edu/catalog/9913829123503681?hld_id=resource_link_0 |
| finding aid | Finding aid available online and at repository. |
| acquisition information | Status: Deposit/gift Received: 1966 through 1988 |
| updated | 04/15/2025 11:48:24 |
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| title | Grace M. Mayer Oral history, 1991. | repository | The Museum of Modern Art |
| description | Mayer describes her long career, beginning with her appointment as Curator of Prints at the Museum of the City of New York in 1932, a position she held until she joined the Department of Photography at The Museum of Modern Art in 1949. She recounts colorful stories about department director Edward Steichen, for whom she worked for more than a decade. Mayer discusses the exhibitions organized by Steichen in the 1950s, including The Family of Man, and contrasts his direction of the department with that of his successor, John Szarkowski. Also discussed is the establishment of the Museum's Edward Steichen Photography Center and Mayer's continuing involvement with it. Biographical and Historical Notes Curator, writer, and collector. The Museum of Modern Art: Special Assistant to Edward Steichen, Director, Department of Photograpy, 1949-61; Associate Curator, Department of Photography, 1961; Curator, Department of Photography, 1962-71. Location MoMA Museum Archives |
| extent | 1 transcript. (88 p.) 2 sound cassettes. |
| formats | Sound Recording Transcript Interviews |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record source | https://library.nyarc.org/permalink/01NYA_INST/ai54l4/alma991009762419707141 |
| acquisition information | Gift of Grace M. Mayer, 1992. Found In: Museum of Modern Art (New York, N.Y.). Museum of Modern Art Oral History Project, 1990-1994. Original recordings stored at Rockefeller Archive Center. Duplicate recordings stored at The Museum of Modern Art Archives. Transcripts housed at Rockefeller Archive Center and The Museum of Modern Art Archives. Transcripts with interviewee's notes housed at Rockefeller Archive Center; not available to researchers. |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:35 |
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| title | Papers of Harry M. Callahan, ca. 1930-[ongoing]. | repository | The University of Arizona, Center for Creative Photography |
| description | Correspondence; biographical and bibliographical materials; exhibition files containing catalogs, checklists, installation views, and related materials; lectures; drafts of published and unpublished articles about Callahan; press releases; periodicals and other publications; audio cassettes; films; and photographic materials including negatives, contact sheets, proof prints, and transparencies. Includes material relating to Callahan's wife, Eleanor Callahan, including journal (1974) of a trip to Peru. Correspondents include family members and John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, Rhode Island School of Design, and curatorial staff of Museum of Modern Art, New York, N.Y., particularly Peter Bunnell, Grace Meyer, Edward Steichen, and John Szarkowski. Bulk of the collection consists of studio proof prints in a variety of sizes. Biographical Note ca.50 linear ft. Notes: In part, photocopies. |
| extent | ca.50 linear ft. |
| formats | Correspondence Exhibition Files Writings Photographs Ephemera |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record source | http://sabio.library.arizona.edu |
| finding aid | Finding aid in the repository. |
| acquisition information | Gift of Harry Callahan beginning in 1975. |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:35 |
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| title | [Notes on Nell Dorr. Made by G.M.M. in preparation for an article, during the late summer of 1963. Material assembled from her scrapbooks and from other sources; statements, etc.] | repository | The Museum of Modern Art |
| description | Location MoMA Manhattan Special Collections Call Number 77 D67 M2 |
| extent | 1 v. (unpaged) |
| formats | Scrapbooks |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record source | https://library.nyarc.org/permalink/01NYA_INST/ai54l4/alma991003247889707141 |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:39 |
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| title | Chronology of Edward Steichen. Second rough draft. Compiled by Grace Meyer. | repository | The Museum of Modern Art |
| description | Location MoMA Queens Library Archive Call Number 77 S825 M3c |
| extent | 38 p. |
| formats | Typescript |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record source | https://library.nyarc.org/permalink/01NYA_INST/ai54l4/alma991005700329707141 |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:39 |
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| title | References to Edward J. Steichen in Camera Work, 1903-1917. Compiled by Grace Mayer. | repository | The Museum of Modern Art |
| description | Publisher n.p., 1960. Location MoMA Queens Library Archive Call Number 77 S825 M3 |
| formats | Typescript |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record source | https://library.nyarc.org/permalink/01NYA_INST/ai54l4/alma991005700369707141 |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:39 |
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| title | Grace Mayer Files, 1891-1960 (bulk 1932-1958) | repository | Museum of the City of New York |
| description | The Grace Mayer Files include day-to-day external incoming and outgoing (in the form of carbon copies) correspondence related to her curatorial work, and a few internal memos; her files documenting exhibitions she was responsible for mounting at the Museum, or collaborated on as loans to other institutions; and documentation of the acquisition, appraisal, preservation, exhibition, research, and publicity of the Harry T. Peters and Gerald LeVino collections of Currier & Ives images. The latter include materials about the last living Currier & Ives artist, Louis Maurer. Historical/biog note: Grace Mayer (1901-1996) served as curator of Prints, Drawing and Photography at the Museum of the City of New York from 1930 to 1959. She acquired iconic collections of New York print and photographic images, including those by Berenice Abbott, Jacob Riis, Currier & Ives, the Gottscho-Schleisner firm, Wurts Brothers, LOOK Magazine, and Byron and Co. In 1958 she wrote "Once Upon a City: New York from 1890 to 1910 as Photographed by Byron, and Described by Grace M. Mayer." Mayer served as assistant to Edward Steichen, Director of the Museum of Modern Art's Department of Photography from 1959 to 1968 and was named Curator there in 1962. In her later life she championed the cause of photography and the careers of individual photographers. |
| extent | 21 linear feet (47 boxes) |
| formats | Administrative Records Correspondence |
| access | open to qualified researchers at the Museum of the City of New York; contact Department of Collections Access for details and policies. |
| record source | http://nysl.nysed.gov/ |
| finding aid | Finding aid available in repository. |
| updated | 02/14/2025 10:07:44 |
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