Historical photograph collection, 1858-

Creator:: Columbia University. Archives
Abstract:: The Historical Photo Collection contains images of persons, events, and activities associated with Columbia College (1754-1896) and Columbia University (1896-).
Extent:: 180.81 Linear Feet 212 document boxes; 50 OS flat boxes; 9 XL flat boxes; 6 XXL flat boxes; 11 large clamshell boxes; (1) small clamshell box
Language:: English .
Scope and content:: Black and white gelatin silver negatives and prints, color negatives and prints, albumen prints, cyanotypes, lithographs, and postcards from various sources with or without provenance, ranging from the latter part of the 19th to the present 21st century at Columbia University. The bulk of the collection consists of black and white prints, including portraits of individuals (ca. 34,000 items). Series VII. Buildings and Grounds contain the greatest volume (ca. 12,000 items / 35 cubic feet) of subject images. Many prints from 1946 through 1973 are attributed to University Photographer Manny Warman, including Series IV. Athletics (ca. 5600 items). Other known photographers include Joe Pierno and Walter Lawrence Bogert.
Biographical / historical:: The Historical Photo Collection consists chiefly of images of persons, events, and activities related to Columbia College (1754-1896) and Columbia University (1896-). The collection is made up of the Columbiana Photo Collection (part of the Division of the Libraries until 1998), images removed from the Columbiana vertical subject files, and post-1998 acquisitions.

Acquisition information:

Source of acquisition--A large portion of the collection was administratively transferred from the Division of the Libraries in 1998 at the time of the merger between the Columbiana Library and the University Archives. The Columbiana Photo Collection and material removed from the Historical Subject Files and Historical Biographical Files were part of this transfer. Post-1998 acquisitions (mainly from the Office of Public Affairs) have been incorporated into the collection.

Custodial history:

A large portion of the collection was administratively transferred from the Division of the Libraries in 1998 at the time of the merger between the Columbiana Library and the University Archives. The Columbiana Photo Collection and material removed from the Historical Subject Files and Historical Biographical Files were part of this transfer. Post-1998 acquisitions (mainly from the Office of Public Affairs) have been incorporated into the collection.

Processing information:

This collection was originally processed by Mae Pan through funding of the NHPRC (1999-2002). Processing was continued by Jennifer Ulrich between 2002 and 2007. Additions have been added by Jocelyn Wilk and numerous work study students. EAD finding aid created by Jocelyn Wilk Laura Thomas (School of Arts 2013), Gillian Rhodes (CC 2012) and Maya Meredith (CC 2014) during the Summer of 2012, based upon information formerly maintained in an MS Access Database and a legacy finding aid draft created by Jennifer Ulrich.

Arrangement:

Arranged in sixteen series.

Accruals:

Materials have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact uarchives@columbia.edu for more information.

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Related material:

Class Photograph Albums, 1856-1902

Columbia Spectator Photograph Collection, 1950-1999 (UA#0036)

Columbia University Faculty Photograph Collection, 1938 (UA#0115)

Graduate School of Journalism Photograph Collection, 1918-2002 (UA#0110)

Health Sciences Archives & Special Collections

"No More Shadows: Women Leaders of Color at Columbia University" Records, 1993 (UA#0570)

Office of Public Affairs Photograph Collection, 1947-2006 (UA#0109)

University Protest and Activism Collection, 1958-1999 [Bulk Dates: 1968-1972] (UA#007)

Varsity Show Collection, 1894- (UA#016)

Women's Graduate Club of Columbia University Portrait Collection, c. 1920-1930s (UA#0114)

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located onsite.

There are no restrictions on this collection.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

For use of images specifically attributed to Jessica Raimi, please contact the photographer for permission. Contact information will be provided by RBML staff upon request. Please note that this rule does not apply to images of the University Senate taken by Ms. Raimi.

Preferred citation:: Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Historical Photograph Collection; Series Number; Box and Folder (if known); University Archives, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University in the City of New York.

Location of this collection:: Columbia University Archives

University Archives Home Page
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:: Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.

Contact:: uarchives@columbia.edu

Collection