Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America
Archives related to: Blumenthal, George, 1858-1941
| title | James J. Rorimer Papers: 1927-1966. | repository | The Metropolitan Museum of Art |
| description | The James J. Rorimer Papers (1927-1966) contain a rich and varied assortment of archival materials that document the career of James Joseph Rorimer (1905-1966), curator of medieval art, director of The Cloisters museum, and director of the MMA. The bulk of the collection comprises correspondence, research notes, typescript and handwritten drafts of various lectures and publications written while working for The Cloisters and the MMA, and administrative records relating to The Cloisters' annual budget and daily activities. Other material includes index cards, library call slips, newspaper clippings, MMA press releases, notebooks, photographs, records relating to specific exhibits, and miscellaneous ephemera (flyers, pamphlets, catalogues, programs, etc). Other material of note include documents relating to Rorimer's tenure as Chief of Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives Section of the Seventh Army during WWII. The collection will no doubt be of interest to museum staff and external researchers studying the foundation of The Cloisters, museum administration, and the man himself. It may also serve provide information regarding the provenance of specific pieces of art now in The Cloisters' custody. Citation Identification of item, date (if known), James J. Rorimer Papers; box number; folder number; The Cloisters Library and Archives, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Subjects: Blumenthal, George, 1858-1941 Breck, Joseph, b. 1885 Collens, Charles, 1873-1956 Rockefeller, John D. (John Davison), 1874-1960 Rorimer, James J. (James Joseph), 1905-1966 Cloisters (Museum) Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.) Art, Medieval -- Collectors and collecting -- United States World War, 1939-1945 -- Destruction and pillage -- Europe Location Cloisters Library Call Number Cloisters Archives collection no.41 LIB USE ONLY |
| extent | 3.5 linear ft. |
| formats | Correspondence Notebooks Administrative Records Photographs Ephemera |
| access | Open for research by appointment from The Cloisters Library and Archives staff |
| record source | http://library.metmuseum.org/record=b1366519~S1 |
| finding aid | Finding aid available in the repository; The Cloisters Library, Metropolitan Museum of Art; folder level control |
| acquisition information | Unknown; material in this collection was amassed during Rorimer's career at The Cloisters Museum, but where or when this material was transferred to The Cloisters Library and Archives is unknown. |
| updated | 03/16/2023 10:29:51 |
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| title | Rosenbach Company Correspondence, 1903-1953. | repository | Rosenbach Museum & Library |
| description | Rosenbach Company Correspondence, found in: Rosenbach Company Records, 1903-1953. Historical Note Book sellers |
| extent | 186 boxes (ca. 153,750 items) |
| formats | Correspondence |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record source | http://www.loc.gov/coll/nucmc/ |
| finding aid | Computer-generated guide available in library; folder-level control. |
| updated | 11/12/2014 11:29:56 |
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| title | Office of the Secretary records, 1870-[ongoing]. | repository | The Metropolitan Museum of Art |
| description | Records comprise correspondence and subject files created by the Secretary and General Counsel, Trustees and several past Directors of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This material relates to all aspects of Museum operations and administration including: acquisition of artworks through purchase, gift and bequest, exhibitions, building maintenance and construction, relations with City and State agencies, drafting and negotiating contracts, managing litigation, cultural property issues, legal and business affairs, grants and corporate donations. Files documenting the tenures of each Secretary of the Museum are included. In addition, there is substantial original documentation created by: former Directors of the Museum, including Luigi Palma di Cesnola, Caspar Purdon Clarke, Edward Robinson, Herbert E. Winlock; past Trustees, including: John Taylor Johnston, Henry Gurdon Marquand, Robert W. De Forest, and J. Pierpont Morgan; and key curatorial and administrative staff. Biography or History The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in 1870 in New York City by a group of businessmen, financiers, artists and collectors. On April 13 of that year the New York State Legislature granted an Act of Incorporation "for the purpose of establishing and maintaining in said City a Museum and Library of Art, of encouraging and developing the Study of the Fine Arts, and the application of Art to manufacture and natural life, of advancing the general knowledge of kindred subjects, and to that end of furnishing popular instruction and recreations." Railroad executive John Taylor Johnston served as the institution’s first President. Luigi Palma di Cesnola was appointed the first Director in 1879. The Office of the Secretary was established concurrently with the founding of the Museum, and is the central repository for official Trustee records, administrative correspondence and legal files of the Museum’s General Counsel. The Secretary is a member of the Museum staff who performs administrative duties under the general direction of the President or as may be assigned by the Chairman or Board of Trustees. The Secretary is responsible for coordinating and recording the proceedings of meetings the Board of Trustees and Trustee committees. The Secretary attends to official correspondence, has custody of and preserves the corporate seal and the archives, and oversees the legal affairs of the Museum. The following have served as Secretary of the Museum: William J. Hoppin (1874-1877), Luigi Palma di Cesnola (1877-1904), Robert W. DeForest (1904-1913), Henry W. Kent (1913-1940), George Lauder Greenway (1941-1942), Dudley T. Easby, Jr. (1945-1969), Ashton Hawkins (1969-1987), Linden Havemeyer Wise (1987-1992), Sharon H. Cott (1992-present). Citation [Title of item], [date], [folder title], Office of the Secretary Records, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Archives. Note Most materials in English; French, Italian, German and other languages are represented as well. |
| extent | 2500 linear feet. |
| formats | Correspondence Subject Files Administrative Records Financial Records Legal Papers |
| access | Consult Archives staff regarding permission to quote or reproduce. |
| record link | http://library.metmuseum.org/record=b1705272~S1 |
| record source | http://library.metmuseum.org/record=b1705272~S1 |
| finding aid | npublished index and folder level database; access restricted to Archives staff only. |
| acquisition information | Transferred from Office of the Secretary. |
| updated | 11/12/2014 11:30:08 |
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