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Start Over Repository Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives Year 1947

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Joan Root Collections, 1876-1926, 1969-2000 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.25 linear foot
Abstract:
Most of the material comprising the Joan Root Collections consists of correspondence she received from Carl Otto Kretzschmar von Kienbusch, who amassed one of the world's greatest private collections of arms and armor, which he bequeathed to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Their correspondence began in 1969 when Mrs. Root became vice chair (and later chairman) of the Museum's Guides, and continued until von Kienbusch's death in 1976. There are also a few pieces of correspondence from some of von Kienbusch's associates and other PMA staff members. Other related material includes writings about von Kienbusch and the PMA's acquisition of his collection as well as photographs. The second subgroup highlights a completely different interest of Mrs. Root--a small compilation of ephemera pertaining to the City of Philadelphia, namely the Centennial, Sesqui-centennial and dedication of the equestrian monument of George Washington in Fairmount Park.

Held at: Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives [Contact Us]

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John G. Johnson Papers, 1846-1918, 1927-1955, 1973-1993, undated [bulk: 1880-1918] (inclusive)

Extent:
26.5 linear feet
Abstract:
Born, raised and educated in Philadelphia, John Graver Johnson (1841-1917) became one of the city's preeminent citizens, noted not only for his long and successful practice as a corporate lawyer but also for his extensive collection of European art. The John G. Johnson Papers consist of correspondence, hundreds of photographs and other documents that make evident Johnson's consultation with noted scholars and art dealers and his own methodology in building and refining an art collection. Estate inventories and appraisals and a copy of Johnson's will outline the disposition of those acquisitions and other personal belongings after his death. Also well documented are three of Johnson's European excursions. Oversized photograph albums hold more than twelve hundred images of the sites Johnson took in with his wife Ida. The lives of Johnson and his wife are also chronicled through portraits--Johnson from the ages of six to sixty-six and Ida from little girl to young mother to...(see more)

Held at: Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives [Contact Us]

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John Stephen Benezet Diaries, 1838-1850, 1892, 1949 (inclusive)

Extent:
2 linear feet
Abstract:
The diaries of John Stephen Benezet offer a glimpse of life in antebellum Philadelphia from 1838 to 1850. By the time he begins to keep these journals, Benezet is already a husband and father supporting a family of at least four children as a clerk at the United States Mint in Philadelphia. In addition to his personal activities, such as attending church, assisting at a school and taking tea and dinner with family and friends, Benezet's entries occasionally give a glimpse of contemporary social and political activities. The most recurring subject is the outbreak of cholera.

Held at: Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives [Contact Us]

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Julius Zieget Memorabilia, 1947 (inclusive)

Extent:
1 oversized folder
Abstract:
This collection consists of a 12"x15" chalk on paper caricature of Julius Zieget, who served for nearly four decades as Secretary and Treasurer of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Philadelphia artist Louis Hirshman drew this likeness in 1947.

Held at: Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives [Contact Us]

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Titus C. Geesey Papers, 1945-1969, undated (inclusive)

Extent:
0.25 linear foot
Abstract:
Titus C. Geesey (d. 1969) was an avid collector of American folk art, particularly Pennsylvania German objects, which were popularly referred to as "Pennsylvania Dutch." This manuscript collection consists of his correspondence primarily with curators and directors of museums and historical societies in the Mid-Atlantic area, written from 1945 to 1969, regarding loans and gifts from his collection. Geesey's offerings in 1953 to the Philadelphia Museum of Art significantly strengthened its rural Pennsylvania collection. Lists of objects accompanying several of the letters suggest the extent of Geesey's holdings, which included walnut and decorated furniture, pottery, porcelain, paintings, silver, glass, frakturs, textiles, wrought iron, toleware, children's books and toys, maps, engravings, lithographs, firearms, tools and cooking utensils.

Held at: Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives [Contact Us]

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Zieget Shaker Collection Papers, 1841-1868, 1919-1968, undated (inclusive)

Extent:
2.5 linear feet
Abstract:
The Zieget Shaker Collection Papers underscore Irene and Julius Zieget's reliance on members of the Shaker community in acquiring hundreds of samples of their art and crafts. Correspondence dating from 1929 to 1968 and a journal illustrated with photographs document the Ziegets' interaction with a number of Shaker sisters and eldresses, particularly Sister Marguerite Frost of Canterbury, NH. The papers also include some of the Ziegets' acquisitions--nineteenth- and early twentieth-century manuscript material. Included here are records of deaths, recipes and other household instructions along with spiritual messages, blessings and hymns all recorded neatly in the distinctive and decorative Shaker hand. A scrapbook Irene Zieget compiled of printed material dating from 1881 to 1960 includes published writings by Shakers as well as numerous newspaper and magazine articles and advertisements that chronicle the public's interest in the Shaker lifestyle and aesthetic.

Held at: Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives [Contact Us]

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Director's Exhibition Records, 1915-1983 (inclusive)

Extent:
25.42 linear feet (61 document boxes)
Abstract:
The Director's Exhibition records of the Philadelphia Museum of Art contain documentation of exhibition activities at the Museum. These records are not a comprehensive account of exhibitions held by the Museum, but an ongoing file produced by the executive office in the course of administering exhibitions for the Museum, kept in the Director’s office between 1915 and 1981. Additional exhibition records may be located within a specific Director’s records, or in Curatorial records; Museum Directors during this period included Edwin Atlee Barber, Langdon Warner, Fiske Kimball, Henri Marceau, Evan Turner, and Jean Sutherland Boggs.

Held at: Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives [Contact Us]

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Julien Levy Gallery records, 1857-1982 (inclusive)

Extent:
19.0 linear feet (46 containers)
Abstract:
Julien Levy (1906-1981) was a pioneering New York art dealer of the 1930s and 1940s. He was introduced to the art world in Paris by Marcel Duchamp, who he met in New York in 1926. In Paris he met photographers and artists, including Man Ray, Berenice Abbot, and his future wife Joella Haweis, daughter of Dadaist muse Mina Loy. Upon his return to the United States, Levy worked briefly at the Weyhe Gallery before opening the Julien Levy Gallery at 602 Madison Avenue. In 1932, Levy mounted “Surrealisme,” an exhibition that introduced the Surrealist art movement to New York. This collection documents the career of prominent art gallery owner Julien Levy. The records date from 1857 to 1983 and include correspondence, exhibit announcements and invitations, scrapbooks, gallery financial ledgers, audio-visual materials, and personal papers such as letters, diaries, appointment books and calendars. The material in this collection reflects the course of Levy’s life, beginning with childhood...(see more)

Held at: Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives [Contact Us]

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