1. Records of the Corporation

Abstract

This collection contains important documents related to the founding of the museum, including the Charter of the Museum.

Abstract J. Stogdell Stokes was President, a member of the Board of Trustees, and Chairman of the Museum Fund of 1928. Under his guidance the Museum acquired the Barnard and Foulc collections. With WPA craftsmen, period rooms were installed and galleries completed. The records are correspondence covering 11 years of his administration. Subjects include the WPA, acquisitional negotiations, funding the Museum, solicitation of City support and aid from the General Education Board. The records show a...

Abstract

R. Sturgis Ingersoll was President of the museum from 1948 to 1964, as well as Chairman of the Board of Governors, which he initiated, from 1947 to 1959. Ingersoll's records reflect changes in the Museum and School during this period, such as the separationg of the Textile Institute and the College of Art from the museum. Other subjects include grants, state aid, school accreditation, and admission charges.

Abstract Bernice McIlhenny Wintersteen was President of the museum from 1964 to 1968. With a family history of museum involvement, Wintersteen previously served on the Associate Committee of Women and the Board of Governors. Wintersteen's unique personality is reflected in her records, which depict the growth and activity of the museum during her presidency. Subjects include exhibitions, the development of the Wintersteen Student Center, negotiations with the Pennsylvania Legislature, and long-term...

Abstract George M. Cheston was President of the museum from 1968 to 1977, a very active period. During his presidency the Student Center, a new restaurant, and new air-conditioning facilities were installed. In addition, preparations for the museum's Centennial took place. Much of Cheston's records are committee reports and minutes, both standing and departmental committees. Records of all the Museum's committees during Cheston's administration are in his files. Also included is an extensive series...

Abstract William P. Wood was President of the Corporation from 1977 to 1981. Earlier he had served as Chairman of the Board and on several Board committees. These records are mostly correspondence, often of a political and administrative nature. Subjects include the transition of officers, lobbying, development, introduction of the new Director, and development and organization of the Irish and Second Empire Exhibitions. Also included is a series of recent bequests to the Philadelphia Museum of...

Scope and Contents The records in this collection consist chiefly of administrative material from the President's Administrative Offices, created during Robert Montgomery Scott's tenure in the Philadelpia Museum of Art between the 1960s and 1990s. Materials include correspondence by fiscal year, meeting minutes from the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees, and documents about investments and strategic plans. There are also documentation of the Bicentennial and Philadelphia Museum of Art...

Abstract

From the terms of Bernice McIlhenny Wintersteen to that of Robert Montgomery Scott, some of the Presidents' special files were set aside and carried forward with additions made to them.

Abstract

Julius Zieget was Secretary of the Corporation from 1928 to 1963, and was appointed Treasurer in 1934. Zieget's files reflect his varied activities, and comprise transactions with city, state, and private foundations for support, budget and funding reports, gift acknowledgements, exhibition records, and extensive bequest files.

Abstract

The records of the Office of the Secretary of the Corporation were generated by the Secretaries and Controllers who followed the tenure of Julius Zieget. Included are investment reports from banks and investment counsellors, minutes and reports of the Investment Committee (1969-1976), bequest records, exhibition accounts, early legal documents of the School's building, and miscellaneous records of funds.