description | Dalton Dorr played a key role in the beginnings of the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art, now known as the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Dorr was elected Secretary of the corporation in 1880. In 1888 he is listed as both Secretary and Curator. By 1892 he performed the duties of Secretary, Director, and Curator. In 1899 William Platt Pepper took over as Director, although Dorr continued as Curator and Secretary. Dalton Dorr died on February 26, 1901. Shortly after, Edwin Atlee Barber took over Dorr's roles as Secretary and Curator. This collection contains letter books dating from 1876-1904 of Dorr, Pepper, and also Edwin Atlee Barber. The correspondence pertains to Museum collections, acquisitions, exhibitions, staff, Memorial Hall repairs, and overall information regarding the establishment of the Museum and associated schools.
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