New York Public Library

New York Public Library

Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue & 42nd Street
New York, NY 10018, United States
917-ASK-NYPL
The New York Public Library holds nearly 10,000 archival and manuscript collections comprising over 50,000 linear feet of material in nearly every format imaginable. They preserve evidence (often unique and unpublished) of human activity and achievement that forms a basis for the study of political, social, economic, and cultural history.

Collection Sampling

New York World's Fair 1939 and 1940 Incorporated records, 1935-1945, 1939-1940

The New York World's Fair of 1939 and 1940, was held in Flushing Meadows in the Borough of Queens. The non-profit Fair corporation was formed in 1935 under the guidance of business and civic leaders, and financed through federal, state, municipal and private funds. The Fair commemorated the 150th anniversary of Washington's inauguration in New York City and took "Building the World of Tomorrow" as its central theme. Participants included close to 60 nations, 33 states and U.S. territories, and over a thousand exhibitors, among them some of the largest corporations in the United States. The records of the New York World's Fair 1939-1940 Incorporated present a comprehensive view of all aspects of the Fair including construction, maintenance and demolition of Fair facilities; planning and development; architecture and landscaping; displays and exhibits; government participation; publicity and public relations; amusements, entertainment and concessions; legal and financial affairs; the import and export of goods; labor relations; and public safety and welfare. In addition to correspondence and memoranda, the collection consists of reports, minutes, financial and legal records, architectural plans, design drawings, sound recordings, brochures, leaflets, press releases and other promotional materials, notably over 12,000 photographs of the Fair, its exhibits and visitors.
Collection ID: MssCol 2233

Larry Neal papers, 1961-1985

The Larry Neal Papers document his role as a writer/editor and seminal figure in the Black Arts Movement, and consists principally of Neal's diverse forms of writings, including essays, scripts, screenplays, poems, short stories and anthologies. Published copies of some of his writings are included in the collection, as are writings by colleagues and publishers.
Collection ID: Sc MG 344

Charles Weidman papers, Additions, 1887-1975

Charles Weidman (1901-1975) was a dancer, choreographer, and teacher known for his roles as a member of the Denishawn Company, and later for founding his own companies: the Humphrey-Weidman Concert Company, Theatre Dance Company, and An Expression of Two Arts. The additions to the Charles Weidman papers contain material related to choreographed works he performed with the Theatre Dance Company and An Expression of Two Arts; files representing his time with the Denishawn Dancers; photographs; and scrapbooks.
Collection ID: (S) *MGZMD 320

Ralph Bunche papers, 1922-1988

Personal papers, family and general correspondence, writings, field notes and research materials, working papers, office files and printed matter documenting Ralph Bunche's personal life and professional career, from his enrollment at the University of California to his retirement in 1971.
Collection ID: Sc MG 290

New York Times Company records. Arthur Hays Sulzberger papers, 1823-1999

Arthur Hays Sulzberger was the publisher of xxThe New York Timesxx from 1935 until 1961 and chairman of the board of The New York Times Company from 1961 until 1968. While he was publisher, circulation of The Times almost doubled; the editorial page developed a reputation for strong opinions; news events were subjected to more analysis and coverage of specialized topics was strengthened; new sections and departments were created for food, fashion, and women; and the overall style of the paper became less rigid and more aesthetically pleasing. The papers document Sulzberger's life and career at xxThe New York Timesxx, with the majority of the collection relating to Sulzberger's 26 years as president and publisher of the paper. Included in the collection are correspondence with family members, friends, colleagues, world leaders, and other dignitaries; memoranda regarding the business of the newspaper, including Sulzberger's notes of praise and criticism to his editors, managers, and writers; reports on his meetings with world leaders, including Winston Churchill, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman; and photographs of Sulzberger, his family, business trips, vacations, and The Times' buildings.
Collection ID: MssCol 17782

George and Anna Hamlin papers, 1868-1983, 1882-1923

George Hamlin (1868-1923) was an American tenor. His daughter, Anna (1900-1988), was a soprano and voice instructor. The George and Anna Hamlin papers, dating from 1868 to 1983, document the careers of both vocalists through clippings, diaries, autograph books, programs, publicity materials, scores, photographs, and correspondence.
Collection ID: JPB 87-34

Samuel J. Tilden papers, 1794-1886, 1835-1876

Samuel J. Tilden (1814-1886) served as Governor of New York, 1875-1876, and was the Democratic nominee for the Presidency in 1876. Tilden began his career as a corporate lawyer; he served as Corporate Counsel for the City of New York, as a member of the New York State Assembly, and as Chairman of the Democratic National Convention. Monies from his estate contributed to the founding of The New York Public Library. His papers document his political and legal career and are comprised primarily of correspondence, political and legal files, financial documents, writings, speeches, and personal papers dating from 1785 - 1929 (bulk 1832 - 1886).
Collection ID: MssCol 2993

Muriel Sharon papers, 1924-1996, 1948-1972

Muriel Sharon (1918-1996) was a children's theater director and director of the 92nd Street YM-YWHA's Children's Drama Department from 1947 to the early 1970s. The Muriel Sharon papers (1924-1996) document her career producing theater for children and teaching drama; her involvement in children's theater organizations; and her study and use of drama as an educational and therapeutic tool, especially through creative dramatics and psychodrama. The collection contains production papers, scripts, scores, promotional and publicity materials, correspondence, photographs, notes, articles, and administrative records.
Collection ID: *T-Mss 2000-039