- Collection Overview
- Collection Description & Creator Information
- Access & Use
- Collection History
- Find Related Materials
Correspondence, 1902-1963
Collection Overview
Collection Description & Creator Information
- Scope and Contents
Includes professional and personal correspondence. Some correspondents include Julia Deane, Margaret Frohman, and Constance Cummings.
- Arrangement
Organized by document type.
Collection History
- Custodial History
Many materials that had been part of William Seymour's original collection, including papers, artwork, and objects related to New York City theatrical productions, were presented to the Museum of the City of New York in 1936 as Seymour's oldest daughter, May Davenport Seymour, was the curator of the Museum's Theater Collection.
The correspondence that forms part this collection was transferred from the Theater Collection to the Manuscripts Division in July 1950 (AM 14099).
- Appraisal
During 2015 reprocessing, materials relating to the acquisition of the collection in 1936 were removed and added to the collection file. Also, non-related materials with definitive provenance were removed from the collection to be integrated into collections of the same provenance or made into separate collections.
Since this collection was acquired in 1936, many materials, particularly photographs, playbills, playscripts, artwork, and objects, have been dispersed and integrated into form-based collections within what was the Manuscripts Theatre Collection as well as the Rare Books Theatre Collection, for example, the 19th-century Playbooks Collection (TC023) that's currently described in the Princeton University Library catalog, and the Graphic Arts Collection.
- Processing Information
Basic conservation work to some of the sheet music was completed in 2008.
This collection was processed in 1999.
Reprocessed by Faith Charlton in 2015 with assistance from Nicholas Williams '2015.
Finding aid updated by Faith Charlton in 2015. Folder inventory prepared by Nicholas Williams '2015 and Kristine Gift (GS).
Much of the organization by document type that was established when the collection was originally processed was maintained during 2015 reprocessing.
Access & Use
- Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
- Conditions Governing Use
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. No further photoduplication of copies of material in the collection can be made when Princeton University Library does not own the original. Inquiries regarding publishing material from the collection should be directed to RBSC Public Services staff through the Ask Us! form. The library has no information on the status of literary rights in the collection and researchers are responsible for determining any questions of copyright.
- Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
For preservation reasons, original analog and digital media may not be read or played back in the reading room. Users may visually inspect physical media but may not remove it from its enclosure. All analog audiovisual media must be digitized to preservation-quality standards prior to use. Audiovisual digitization requests are processed by an approved third-party vendor. Please note, the transfer time required can be as little as several weeks to as long as several months and there may be financial costs associated with the process. Requests should be directed through the Ask Us Form.
- Credit this material:
Correspondence; William Seymour Family Papers, TC011, Manuscripts Division, Department of Special Collections, Princeton University Library
- Location:
-
Firestone LibraryOne Washington RoadPrinceton, NJ 08544, USA
- Storage Note:
- Firestone Library (mss): Box 78
Find More
- Separated Materials
Since this collection was acquired in 1936, many materials, particularly photographs, playbills, playscripts, artwork, and objects, have been dispersed and integrated into form-based collections within what was the Manuscripts Theatre Collection as well as the Rare Books Theatre Collection, for example, the 19th-century Playbooks Collection (TC023) that's currently described in the Princeton University Library catalog, and the Graphic Arts Collection.
- Bibliography
Jensen, Mary Ann. "The William Seymour Theater Collection: A Curator's View." In Princeton University Library Chronicle 68 no. 1 (Autumn 1986). Miller, Ralph Earl. "William Seymour American Director." PhD diss. Wayne State University, 1973.
- Names:
- Boston Museum (1847-1903)
Boston Museum and Gallery of Fine Arts
Abbey, Schoeffel & Grau
Varieties Theatre (New Orleans, La.)
Tremont Theatre (Boston, Mass.)
Davenport family
Seymour family
Davenport, Edward Loomis, 1815-1877
Davenport, Fanny, 1850-1898
Frohman, Charles, 1860-1915
Seymour, James William Davenport, 1895-
Seymour, May Davenport, 1883-1967
