Rishel, Joseph J.

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series: With her appointment in 1972 as PMA's first associate curator of 20th century painting, the media soon recognized and reported on d'Harnoncourt's work and promising career future. In 1977, the well-known New York Times art critic, John Russell singled out d'Harnoncourt in his article, "The Arts in the 70's: new tastemakers on stage," which is included here in photocopy form. Noting the impact of women holding influential positions in the art world and because of their number being too many...

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series: Although d'Harnoncourt did not assume the role of Chief Executive Officer until 1997, her appointment was announced by February of the previous year. Thus her appointments as Museum Director and Chief Executive Officer define the parameters of the "1982-1996" sub-subseries. As the number of files indicates, her appointment as director drew many congratulations. Well-wishers included artists such as Emlen and Gloria Etting, Sol Lewitt and George Segal, as well as other prominent figures, such...

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series: This sub-subseries and the remaining ones replicate the arrangement by date span of d'Harnoncourt's PMA records that were created after 1996. All date spans, therefore, coincide with her dual role as PMA's director and CEO. Of note in this sub-subseries are the letters of congratulations sent to d'Harnoncourt upon her receipt of The Philadelphia Award, one of the city's most prestigious recognitions, and one bestowed nearly 50 years earlier to d'Harnoncourt's directorial predecessor at PMA,...

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: Covering the last decade of his life, this correspondence primarily documents McIlhenny's extensive social activities and the numerous friendships he cultivated in America and abroad. Many of the letters pertain to an exchange of invitations to dinner parties, cultural events, and vacation rendezvous, along with follow-up thank you notes. There are also numerous letters of thanks from McIlhenny for the many gifts he'd receive, ranging from a duck door knocker and jar of Col. Biddle's curry...