William S. Moore Photograph Collection, 1922-1924

Creator:

Abstract:

This small collection contains photographs taken by William Scoville Moore, during a trip to Greece on which he accompanied then U.S. Ambassador, Henry Morgenthau Sr. The subjects of the photographs are primarily refugees and the camps they had constructed. There are also a few documents including newspaper clippings and an award given to Moore by the Greek Cabinet.

Extent:

0.25 linear feet (1 half manuscript box)

Language:

English .

Scope and content:

This small collection consists primarily of photographs taken by Moore dating around 1922-1923. While the majority of the photographs are of the refugees, there are some of the visiting personages. A small amount of documents are held in the collection as well.

Biographical / historical:

In 1923, William Scoville Moore accompanied U.S. Ambassador Henry Morgenthau Sr. on a trip to Greece. The United Nations had recently loaned the country money in order to help resettle the many immigrants pouring in from various areas within the country. Once there, Moore and Englishman named Colonel Owen were responsible for overseeing the use and disbursement of the loan. Moore and Owen traveled extensively throughout the country in order to fully understand the depth of the situation. According to news sources, Moore was documenting the trip visually as well as taking notes as a means of drawing attention to the catastrophe.

Moore's photographs offer insight into the humanitarian crisis that was developing in the region; however, they document not just the suffering of the refugees, but the efforts of the displaced peoples to maintain dignity in the face of aversion. For his work, administered through the Morgenthau Settlement Commission and the American Near East Relief, Moore was awarded the Order of the Savior by decree of the Greek Cabinet. This award was the first granted by the new Republican Government of Greece.

Acquisition information:

2008-2009-M56: Source of acquisition--David Moore. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--2009/01/08.

Processing information:

Papers processed Lea Osborne 2006 January.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged in two series.

Accruals:

No accruals expected

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

Related material:

The Department of Classics. The Program in Hellenic Studies at Columbia University has an online essay with scans of some of the Photographs.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located on-site.

This collection has no restrictions.

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.

Preferred citation:: Identification of specific item; Date (if known); William S. Moore Photograph Collection; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:: Rare Book & Manuscript Library

RBML Home Page
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New York, NY 10027, USA
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Contact:: rbml@library.columbia.edu

Collection