William S. Moore Photograph Collection, 1922-1924

Summary Information

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.

At a Glance

Arrangement

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in two series.

• Series I: Documents, 1923-1924
• Series II: Photographs, 1922-1923

Description

Summary

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.

• Series I: Documents, 1923-1924

  Series I holds several documents concerning William S. Moore's time in Greece. There are a couple of newspaper clippings covering his work in the region. The Order of the Savior is also in this series.

• Series II: Photographs, 1922-1923

  The photographs are primarily of refugee families and their camps. There are also photographs of dignitaries, most notably Henry Morgenthau Sr. and the political leader of Greece, Elefthérios Venizélos. Also included are photographs of the landscape and purchased postcards portraying events that had occurred during the exodus. This series has been arranged alphabetically by topic.

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

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.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Single photocopies 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.

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.

Accrual

No accruals expected

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

Immediate Source of Acquisition

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

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Papers processed Lea Osborne 2006 January.

Revision Description

2009-03-25 File created.

2009-05-01 xml document instance created by Lea Osborne.

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

Subject Headings

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

All links open new windows.

Genre/Form

Subject

History / Biographical Note

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.