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Women's Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Records
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Held at: Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives [Contact Us]Philadelphia Museum of Art, PO Box 7646, Philadelphia, PA 19101-7646
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
Overview and metadata sections
The Women's Committee evolved from the successful Women's Centennial Executive Committee in 1883, which supported the Philadelphia Museum of Art and its school (formerly known as the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art). Initially known as the Associate Committee of Women until 1961, its achievements were impressive under the distinguished leadership of Mrs. Elizabeth Duane Gillespie, great-granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin. The Committee recognized the multiple needs of the Museum, the School of Industrial Art (now known as the University of the Arts) and the local arts community. Members have generously pooled their resources together and created many philanthropic opportunities.
With the opening of the school, the Women's Committee provided assistance to help the less fortunate attend by sponsoring scholarships, grants, student loans, and even a pension fund for the teachers. The consistent support by the Women's Committee continued through the twentieth century. The art school grew over time, eventually developing a one million dollar budget, and became a separate corporate entity in 1964. Now known as the University of the Arts, the school has become a distinguished institution with a vast array of arts programs.
As of 1925, the Committee had reached nearly a half million dollars in contributions for the school and Museum. Mrs. Gillespie's vision and promotion of women's leadership in nineteenth century America is a compelling legacy that has guided the momentum of the Women's Committee to this day. Through successful events and special projects, this skillful organization is a valuable partner in supporting the Museum community.
- Chicago: Academy, 1981. Weimann, Jeanne Madeline The Fair Women.
- Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1901. Gillespie, Elizabeth Duane A book of remembrance.
- Chap. 1 in Ph.D. thesis, Brown University, 2004. Austin, Nancy Centennial Committee of Rhode Island and the founding of RISD, 1875-1877."
In the collection, the minute books of the monthly and annual meetings dating from 1883 to 1970 document the direction the Committee took on major concerns and issues. It is possible to trace the evolution of an agenda item to special committees being appointed by their area of expertise. The members addressed such needs as starting the volunteer programs to entertaining the most prominent families of Philadelphia.
With special event planning, the strategies unfold to reveal the expertise of the Women's Committee to meet the necessary funding needs. One of the first events documented in the records is the "The World of Porcelain," in 1969, which raised funds to support the Volunteer guides and Park House tour guides. The van Gogh Dinner plans in 1970, include facsimile correspondence from Dr. V.W. van Gogh, Vincent's nephew, which displays his enthusiasm in being invited to the festivities at the Museum.
In 1974, the success of the first national craft show, "A Touch of Gold" proved to be an important precedent for the annual Philadelphia Craft Show. The Women's Committee's ongoing dedication in promoting American artistic talent is evident by records of the process for this prestigious event. This theme is also used in the widely successful Art Sales and Rental Gallery at the Museum. Starting in 1965, local artisans have displayed a diverse selection of creations in the shop for sale. The Gallery also runs a profitable corporate rental service.
The Women's Committee sponsored special projects. In 1989, the Women's Committee proposed the idea to publish a unique cookbook, one that displayed the artwork of the museum with the recipes. The fundraising project demonstrated effective planning and marketing abilities, and received favorable sales of one hundred thousand dollars in 1990 one year after the cookbook was published. The records show the many resources that were used in the marketing of the cookbook.
Other projects include volunteer and docent programs needed for Museum and Park House tours that have become popular over the years. The records show how the Women's Committee teamed with other museums at local and national conferences and learned how to better support and promote the Museum. Ledgers, cashbooks, and audits show attention to details as the organization recorded its monetary history according to best business practice.
The collection has been arranged into six series in original order. They are "Administrative," "Events Planning," "Special Projects," "Programs," "Alternate Format," and "Financial Records."
Materials in the collection have been generated or collected by members of The Women's Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. They are currently being held by the Museum Archives.
These materials were arranged and described by Deborah DelCollo. Funded by a grant from The Women's Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
- Publisher
- Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives
- Finding Aid Author
- Finding aid prepared by Deborah DelCollo
- Finding Aid Date
- ©2007
- Sponsor
- Funded by a grant from Women's Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Access Restrictions
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The collection is open for research. Series VI "Financial Records" may only be consulted at the discretion of the Archivist.
- Use Restrictions
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The Women's Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Records is the physical property of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Archives. The Museum holds literary rights only for material created by Museum personnel or given to the Museum with such rights specifically assigned. For all other material, literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. Researchers are responsible for obtaining permission from rights holders for publication and for other purposes where stated.
Collection Inventory
The minute books of the Women's Committee span two centuries and serve as the foundation for the organization in preserving its memory. The minute books account the proceedings of the Committee and display the ideas that led to the successful strategies of the organization. The bylaws from 1884 and 1955 serve as guidelines for the organization.
Physical Description4 linear feet
The minute books represent an account of Committee meetings and are organized by year. The Committee's meetings provide evidence of its management decisions and agendas. Records include the many resources dedicated to the running of the School of Industrial Art until its separation from the Museum in 1964.
Chronological.
The bylaws document the policies and procedures of the organization. The bylaws
include a list of years amended between 1883 and 1964.
Chronological.
The history booklets give a concise history of the organization. Originally created for the new members and Trustees, they document the major initiatives of each year. The booklets also include a yearly index of members' names.
Chronological.
The Women's Committee organized many successful events in support of the Museum. The series documents fifteen events. The records include catering plans, invoices, correspondence, invitation lists, Committee coordination, and samples of invitations designed by Committee members. Highlights in the collection are facsimiles of letters from three first ladies, Jacqueline Onassis, Lady Bird Johnson, and Pat Nixon, as well as correspondence from Vincent van Gogh's nephew.
Chronological.
Physical Description4.5 linear feet
The Diamond Jubilee was the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Museum. The event took place on January 26,1951. Three months of activities were planned by the Women's Committee from publicity for the "Exhibition of Masterpieces of Paintings and Drawings" at the Museum to a dinner symposium hosted by the Committee with honored guests Jacques Lipchitz and Edward G. Robinson. The records include a list of all twelve honored guests.
Original order.
The benefit dinner honoring Philadelphia collectors corresponded with the eightieth anniversary of the Women's Committee. The benefit took place on October 21, 1963. The patrons of the Museum loaned 450 pieces of art for the occasion. The types of records include a list of lenders to the exhibit.
Original order.
"The World of Porcelain" exhibition and morning lecture benefited the Volunteer Tour Guides, the Park House Tour Guides and the Museum Flower Committee. The event took place on October 11, 1967. Mr. Carl Dauterman of the Metropolitan Museum of Art was the guest speaker. The types of records include a report of the benefit and a questionnaire on the key features of fine porcelain.
Original order.
The Women's Committee hosted a grand dinner and ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Bernice McIlhenny Wintersteen Student Center at the Museum. The event took place on January 10, 1969. Mrs. Wintersteen was an avid supporter and an honorary member of the Women's Committee. Governor Raymond P. Shafer and Mayor James Tate attended the event. The records include several newspaper clippings showing Mrs. Wintersteen's many colleagues and friends. A trumpet player announced each speech.
Original order.
The Women's Committee sponsored a black tie dinner and preview reception of the touring Vincent van Gogh exhibition. The event took place on February 26, 1970. The highlight of the subseries is correspondence from Dr. V.W. van Gogh, the artist's nephew, who attended the affair as an honored guest. The records also include a list of Museum directors invited from across the United States.
Original order.
The Women's Committee hosted this black-tie auction and dinner that featured donated art and antiques. The event took place on November 6, 1970. Proceeds were used for the restoration of the Museum's restaurant. Records include newspaper clippings and an invitation draft.
Original order.
The exhibition of fashion commemorated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Fashion Wing at the Museum. The event took place on January 18, 1973. Roast squab with cumberland sauce was served to three hundred guests and the gold ballroom was elegantly decorated in pink. Guests were asked to wear 'past elegance' to the affair. The records include a program describing costumes worn during the opening's fashion show.
Original order.
The dinner was given for the lenders of art to the "Philadelphia: Three Centuries of American Art" exhibition. The event took place on April 8, 1976. Five hundred and thirty two guests attended the dinner held at Memorial Hall where the Philadelphia Museum of Art was founded in 1876. Guests were transported to the Museum after dinner for champagne and a preview of the exhibit. The records include blueprints of Memorial Hall.
Original order.
The one-hundredth birthday of the Museum was celebrated with a fair of more than forty exhibitors and was held at the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry Armory. The event took place on January 18, 1975 and benefited the restoration of the Park House "Solitude." The Women's Committee sponsored the event and ran three booths at the fair. Trustees and Friends of the Museum donated objects, including contemporary designs in quilts and wood. The Museum's Art Sales and Rental Gallery booth offered local artwork. In addition to the fair, the Committee sold tablecloths. The records include the Centennial Fair catalog, which the Women's Committee sold for three dollars.
Original order.
The craft show records included in this subseries are miscellaneous plans and correspondence from 1967 to 1993. Mrs. Walter F. Mondale, wife of the Vice-President, was a guest at the November 7, 1977 show. Records include an exhibition hall layout, a list of participating artists, and a 2001 catalog.
Original order.
The event was held on September 29, 1978. The Imperial Ball records include a beautiful invitation. The Women's Committee planned an elegant midnight supper for this affair with over one thousand people attending the ball.
Original order.
A "Night of Fashion" pageant and the Fantasy Ball celebrated the re-opening of the Fashion Wing. The event took place on September 29, 1979. Fantasy dress was requested. Committee members and other guests wore elegant gowns, some worn by their ancestors. Records include facsimile correspondence with HSH Princess Grace and Lauren Bacall, among others.
Original order.
In honor of their one hundredth anniversary, the Women's Committee sponsored cocktails and dancing at the Museum. The event took place on May 6, 1983. An exhibit "One Hundred Years of Acquisitions" was also previewed. Records include a list of possible themes for the event.
Original order.
A special gala was held at Memorial Hall to commemorate Henry McIlhenny's 75th birthday on October 7, 1985. A documentary of Henry McIlhenny's life in the art world, produced by the British Broadcasting Corporation, was shown to the guests. The records include a program that highlights Mr. McIlhenny's life and his involvement with the Museum. The funds raised from the event were used to endow the Henry P. McIlhenny Curatorship of European Decorative Arts at the Museum.
Original order.
The Women's Committee teamed with the Barnes Committee to plan a gala on January 25, 1995. The proceeds helped support educational programs, guide programs, curatorships, and family programs. The records include only meeting minutes.
Original order.
The Women's Committee's many talents are demonstrated by the diverse projects they sponsor. From interior decorating to the publishing of a book, the Committee's creativity is boundless in support of the Museum. The special projects records include the initial start-up of the Art Sales and Rental Gallery, the publishing of a cookbook, and interior decorating plans.
Original order.
Physical Description0.5 linear feet
Drawing on the expertise of the members, the Women's Committee solicited fellow member Cynthia Drayton's design firm to redecorate their office at the Museum to address the changing needs of the Committee. The types of records include blueprints and expenses.
Original order.
Records show the hours of research dedicated in proposing the gallery to the Museum. The successful management of this venture is apparent from the income statements. In 1980, the Gallery celebrated its fifteenth anniversary. The records include an invitation from the National Association of Art Rental and Sales Galleries for membership.
Original order.
Mrs. Drayton was asked to redecorate the Director's reception area with the help of her design firm. The records include invoices with fabric swatches.
Original order.
The Women's Committee published a cookbook, "The Fine Art of Cooking," in September 1989. This three-year project featured illustrations of the Museum's art collection. All recipes were taste-tested by the Committee. The records include the process of acquiring a copyright, the publisher's (Wimmer) packet, and different marketing strategies used by the Committee.
Original order.
The Women's Committee's programs range from Volunteer Guides to various student loan arrangements in the early days of the Committee. The student loan program records depict the many needs of the students and the teachers in the early years of the School of Industrial Art (now known as The University of the Arts).
Chronological.
Physical Description0.5 linear feet
These records include charming handwritten notes, which document loans and loan payments by students at the School of Industrial Arts. Correspondence includes requests by students and members of the Committee for extension of payment in special circumstances. Documents show the Women's Committee keen understanding and compassion towards the students and teachers. Some loan payments for the students were as low as five dollars per month.
Chronological.
The records include a "VCAM Newsletter" article describing the Form in Art program, which was sponsored by the Women's Committee. The program helped visually impaired people participate in sculpture classes held at the Museum. Members of the Women's Committee attended the fall 1972 Northeast Conference held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Original order.
The alternate format subseries includes a scrapbook documenting the restoration of eight Fairmount Park Houses in 1931. The scrapbook consists of newspaper and magazines clippings, which describe the multiple restorations the Women's Committee organized from plaster replacement to redecorating. The "Touch of Gold" binder displays all the records from the event, including invitations, invoices, and photographs of the displays.
Original order.
Physical Description1 linear foot
The Fairmount Park Houses scrapbook documents the restoration work of the Women's Committee from construction issues to decorating with antiques. The book contains many newspaper clippings.
The Women's Committee in celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Art Sales and Rental Gallery in 1974 sponsored "A Touch of Gold" exhibition and sale. The sales through the Gallery featured 170 original pieces of jewelry from goldsmiths with a Delaware Valley connection. The success of the event was the catalyst that launched the annual Philadelphia Craft Show. The records include an agreement with Philadelphia goldsmith Olaf Skoogfors to design a pendant called "A Touch of Gold" to commemorate the show in which the first fifty sponsors to the dinner would receive as a gift. The Women's Committee hosted the black tie dinner and preview.
Original order.
Originally maintained in a binder, this material appears to have been compiled by Mrs. Bertram (Elsie) Lippincott. As these papers suggest, Mrs. Lippincott had several affiliations with the Museum from 1953 to 1954, including her service as Vice-President and President of the Associate Committee of Women. Material consists primarily of correspondence and handwritten minutes pertaining to the Philadelphia Museum School of Art, Associate Committee of the Museum and Board of Governors of the Museum School of Art.
The Financial records included in this subseries include passbooks, cashbooks,audit reports, general fund statements, ledgers, and miscellaneous documents. These records include the accounts of the many necessary funds the Committee sponsored.
Physical Description4 linear feet
The five Philadelphia Savings Fund Society passbooks record the various funds in which the Committee managed, The Western Savings Fund, and Beneficial Savings Fund managed the Women's Committee General Fund. The Philadelphia Savings Fund Society managed five funds: Traveling Fellowship Fund, Student Loan Fund, League House Endowment, Cornelia L. Ewing Memorial Fund, and the Sinnott Legacy Fund.
Chronological.
The general fund statements span eighteen years and document the diverse types of finances the Women's Committee managed. The statements include the various types of loans and investments that created the Committee's portfolio.
Chronological.
The accounting firm of Edward P. Moxley and Company examined the accounts, books and records of the Women's Committee from 1924 to 1944. The itemized reports detail the organization within the Committee's accounts.
Chronological.
The ledger books document the funds the Committee organized. Some of the funds were started by member's estates as in the case of Cornelia L. Ewing Fund and the Sinnott Fund named after Annie E. Sinnott, long time treasurer of the Committee. The treasurer reports itemize the annual expenditures.
Chronological.
The cashbooks included in the subseries document thirty years of monetary records, which illustrate the costs of member dues and the different accounts kept by the treasurer of the Women's Committee.
Chronological.
This subseries includes the will of Isabel McIlhenny Nichols, in which she left ten thousand dollars to the Committee to start an endowed fund for less fortunate students at the School of Industrial Art. Records also include a deed of trust for ten thousand dollars at Provident Trust Company of Philadelphia.
Chronological.