Bush Foundation. Correspondence and other papers, 1989

Institutions across the country and abroad sought d'Harnoncourt's advice. While a few of these organizations may have invited d'Harnoncourt in order to capitalize on her reputation, these records make evident that her involvement with most was far more than titular. D'Harnoncourt was an active participant and frequent traveler on their behalf--attending meetings, taking notes, corresponding with colleagues and offering her feedback on an array of proposals. Based on her files, d'Harnoncourt served on twenty-four boards or visiting committees, participated in thirty-four advisory, selection, nominating or review panels, and was an active elected member to seven other organizations, two of which were learned societies. While most of d'Harnoncourt's professional affiliations are represented here, documentation pertaining to twenty such organizations was processed with her Museum records. These are identified in the scope and content note of the "Names and Subject" series to the Anne d'Harnoncourt Records.

Documentation consists primarily of correspondence, meeting agendas and minutes, notes and annotated reports or other documents. Many of the folder titles identify the capacity in which d'Harnoncourt participated. During processing, any meeting preparatory material not annotated by d'Harnoncourt was discarded as were all financial reports, personnel documentation, and grant review and nominating working papers, including any correspondence noting selections or recommendations.

Certain institutions requested the return of their records. These are listed as follows along with d'Harnoncourt's role. The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden--Board of Trustees, 1974-1896; the Henry Luce Foundation-- Board of Directors since 1994; the Georgia O'Keeffe Foundation--1994 consultant and Board of Directors since 2000; the Smithsonian [Institution] Council member--1974 [to 1983?]; Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents since 1996, with emeritus appointment in 2008; and the Tate Modern (Gallery)--1998 Director Search Committee. For these institutions, only personal or third-party correspondence not related to any organizational activities or decisions was retained. The Tate Modern file was returned in its entirety. Other institutions requested that certain personnel documentation be returned; namely the American Philosophical Society, CASVA and the Institute for Advanced Study. In each case, the amount of papers returned was minimal.