Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series: This subseries pertains to McIlhenny's association with numerous institutions in Philadelphia and in Ireland, and spans more than half a century of monetary support, memberships, and various levels of personal involvement. Material consists of correspondence, invoices and receipts, and ephemera. Because of the tax deductions associated with many of McIlhenny's contributions, a significant amount of related material can be found in the "Tax files" subseries of the "Financial records" series....

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series: Following Robert Scott's retirement as museum President in 1996, d'Harnoncourt was appointed the following year as the museum's Chief Executive Officer in addition to her continued role as its George D. Widener Director. This subseries coincides with d'Harnoncourt's earliest years leading the museum in her dual roles. During this period, with the approach of the new millennium as well as its 125th anniversary, the museum began to plan for its future while building upon its past. There are...

Scope and Contents From the Series: Comprising the largest portion of the Fiske Kimball Records, this series clearly documents Kimball's extensive contact with the institutions, individuals, and businesses that collectively directed and promoted art and artists, and a public appreciation for both. Kimball cultivated a variety of correspondents, from dealers and donors to museums, educational institutions and professional organizations. Throughout the three decades documented, antiques and art dealers appear to be Kimball's...

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series: Fireworks and other festivities begin this subseries with documentation of the museum's plans to celebrate its 125th anniversary on May 10, 2001. On that day in 1876, the Centennial exhibition opened to the world. Among its many attractions was the Art Gallery building, which was later named Memorial Hall. At the close of the exhibition, Memorial Hall became the first home of the newly chartered Philadelphia Museum of Art (then known as the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art)....

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series: This subseries currently is closed to researchers. File titles are subject to change when processing is finalized at a later date. Under d'Harnoncourt's direction, the museum continued to envision grander goals that would enhance the visitor's experience and allow the institution to better serve its diverse community. It seems only fitting that this last subseries should document the initiation of the most transforming project for the museum's iconic neo-classical "triumph on...

Scope and Contents From the Series: While this series includes Kimball's correspondence with many of the same individuals and institutions represented in the various subject-related series, the bulk of "General correspondence and related material" documents his long-term association with organizations devoted to professional development and scholarship. Kimball's most consistent correspondents include the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Association of Museums (AAM), and the Association of Art Museum...

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series: As documented in the "Library Company of Philadelphia" folder, d'Harnoncourt again crossed paths with Fiske Kimball, her directorial predecessor by 30 years. (Both were recipients of the prestigious Philadelphia Award--Kimball in 1950 and d'Harnoncourt in 1997.) In the tradition of Benjamin Franklin and its other original founders, the Library Company offers shares in its organization as a form of support. In 2001, it informed d'Harnoncourt that the share previously purchased in 1929 by...

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series: As evidenced in the records of the previous subseries, the Landmark Renewal campaign afforded the museum the opportunity to enhance nearly every aspect of its art collection, from display to scholarship. This subseries documents another ambitious program to improve the 24-acre grounds surrounding the "temple on the hill." The Landscape Rehabilitation Project was initiated by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), another venerable Philadelphia institution, as part of its Philadelphia...

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series: Following Robert Scott's retirement as museum President in 1996, d'Harnoncourt was appointed the following year as the museum's Chief Executive Officer in addition to her continued role as its George D. Widener Director. This subseries coincides with d'Harnoncourt's earliest years leading the museum in her dual roles. During this period, with the approach of the new millennium as well as its 125th anniversary, the museum began to plan for its future while building upon its past. There are...

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series: Following Robert Scott's retirement as museum President in 1996, d'Harnoncourt was appointed the following year as the museum's Chief Executive Officer in addition to her continued role as its George D. Widener Director. This subseries coincides with d'Harnoncourt's earliest years leading the museum in her dual roles. During this period, with the approach of the new millennium as well as its 125th anniversary, the museum began to plan for its future while building upon its past. There are...