Biographical Information File
The Biographical Information File contains biographies of individuals associated with the Smithsonian as either administrative officers, curators, collectors, donors, regents, or research associates. Occasionally biographies of individuals less closely associated with the Institution are included.
Ben Benn papers
The papers of modernist painter Ben Benn measure 6.3 linear feet and date from 1906 through 1977, with the bulk of the papers dating from circa 1920 - circa 1970. The collection includes correspondence between Benn and his wife Velida Benn and letters from Oscar Bluemner, Max Weber, Joseph Stella, and other artists. Also found are sketches, sketchbooks, diaries, scrapbooks, personal business records, clippings, photographs, exhibition catalogs, art journals, and auction catalogs. Some of the printed material is quite rare.
Ruth Bowman papers
bulk 1963-1999
21.99 Gigabytes
The papers of art historian and museum educator Ruth Bowman are dated 1936-2006, bulk 1963-1999, and measure 26.7 linear feet and 21.99 GB. Professional correspondence and subject files document Bowman's relationships with colleagues and reflect her interests, activities including curatorial work, and accomplishments as a museum educator. Writings and related research materials include her thesis,"Thomas Pollock Anshutz, 1851-1912" (M.A., Institute of Fine Arts, New York University, 1971), and unfinished projects. Also found are interviews conducted by Bowman with a wide range of individuals for a variety of purposes.
Smithsonian Gardens Image Library
Chaim Gross papers
The papers of New York City sculptor and teacher Chaim Gross measure 21.1 linear feet and date from 1920-2004. The collection provides comprehensive documentation of Gross's career through biographical material, personal and professional correspondence with family, artists, writers, galleries, museums, educational institutions, and religious and philanthropic organizations, writings, personal business records, extensive printed and published material including motion picture film and video recordings of four documentaries, one hundred and fifteen sketchbooks spanning the bulk of Gross's career, and photographs of Gross, his family, many friends and colleagues from the art world, his studio, personal art collection, and works of art. An unprocessed addition of three sketchbooks was donated in 2020.
Records
These records were created between 1974 and 1995 by Stephen E. Weil during his tenure as Deputy Director, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG). The records consist of correspondence with other international and national museums and art institutions; correspondence concerning policies and legal questions raised by the public and other concerned public …
Audiotapes
This accession consists of audio recordings created or maintained by the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG). The majority of the recordings document lectures, speeches, talks, and other events at the museum, including the HMSG groundbreaking and dedication. Other recordings are interviews of artists performed by staff or interviews of …
Frank K. M. Rehn Galleries records
bulk 1919-1968
The Frank K. M. Rehn Galleries records measure 21.8 linear feet and are dated 1858-1969 (bulk 1919-1968). The records consist mainly of business correspondence with collectors, artists, museums and arts organizations, colleagues, and others. A small amount of Frank K. M. Rehns personal correspondence and a few stray personal papers of individual artists are interfiled. Also included are financial records, scrapbooks, printed matter, miscellaneous records, and photographs documenting most of the history of a highly regarded New York City art gallery devoted to American painting.
Audiovisual Records
This accession consists of video and audio recordings and film created or maintained by the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG). The majority of the recordings document lectures, speeches, talks, prominent visitors, exhibitions and other events at the museum, including the HMSG groundbreaking and dedication. Other recordings are interviews of …
Olga Hirshhorn Oral History Interviews
The Smithsonian Institution Archives began its Oral History Program in 1973. The purpose of the program is to supplement the written documentation of the Archives' record and manuscript collections with an Oral History Collection, focusing on the history of the Institution, research by its scholars, and contributions of its staff. Program …
