Columbia University Institute of Arts and Sciences Correspondence, 1930-1945

Summary Information

At a Glance

Call No.:
MS#0259
Bib ID:
4079667 View CLIO record
Creator(s):
Columbia University. Institute of Arts and Sciences
Repository:
Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Physical Description:
1 linear feet (242 items in 2 boxes)
Language(s):
English .
Access:
You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

This collection is located on-site.

The original copy of the Pearl Buck sketch is missing; it appears that the item was not properly refiled after microfilming in 1991. The item is available on microfilm.

Description

Scope and Contents

A collection of letters addressed to Russell Potter, Director of the Institute of Arts & Sciences, relating to speaking engagerents and conferences. The correspondence, dated 1930-1945, includes letters from Gertrude Stein, Robert Frost, Edna Ferber, Al Smith, Henry Wallace, Anthony Eden, and Harold Laski. Some of the letters are of a personal nature.

There are also over 130 sketches by Lucie Ruth Kraft (1891- ) of lecturers as they appeared at the Institute. Many of these sketches were autographed by the subjects. Also included are a copy of "the Handbook" copies of "The Institute Program" 1934-1940 and a Playbill for a production of works by Cornelia Otis Skinner. The typescript notes of Walter H. McKay for the 22nd session are also included in the collection.

Arrangement

Selected materials cataloged; remainder listed.

Using the Collection

Restrictions on Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

This collection is located on-site.

The original copy of the Pearl Buck sketch is missing; it appears that the item was not properly refiled after microfilming in 1991. The item is available on microfilm.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

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.

Accruals

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

Alternate Form Available

Item related to Pearl S. Buck is available on microfilm. See MN# 91-2094-2.

Ownership and Custodial History

Gift of the Institute, 1945.

Gift of Emma S. Stecher, 1982.

Transfered from Columbiana, 1986.

Gift of Beulah B. McKay, 1990.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of acquisition--Institute of Arts and Science. Method of acquisition--Gift, 1945; Date of acquisition--1945. Accession number--M-1945.

Source of acquisition--Stecher, Mrs. Emma. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--1982. Accession number--M-1982.

Source of acquisition--Columbiana. Method of acquisition--Transfered, 1986; Date of acquisition--1986. Accession number--M-1986.

Source of acquisition--McKay, Mrs. Beulah B.. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--1990.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Entered in AMC HR rev 2/82 08/29/90.

Entered in AMC 08/29/90.

Eneted in AMC 08/29/90.

Revision Description

2020-10-06 EAD document created by CCR, and note on Pearl Buck item was added to this document.

Biographical / Historical

The Institute was the non-academic division of the University Extension at Columbia University from 1913 to 1957, and its scope included single lectures and short series of lectures on general subjects. The Institute was established to provide evening education for adults wishing to keep abreast of current thought among the arts.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches for other collections at Columbia University, through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, and through ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Genre/Form
Drawings (visual works) CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Handbooks CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Playbills CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Sketches CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Name
Eden, Anthony CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Ferber, Edna, 1887-1968 CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Frost, Robert, 1874-1963 CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Smith, Alfred Emanuel, 1873-1944 CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Stein, Gertrude, 1874-1946 CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Subject
Adult education CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Artists CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Arts CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID