The SCRC Processing Team has been hard at work processing and re-processing collections, which means we have some brand spankin’ new and updated finding aids! Find out more below!
Drawing of Fairfax Courthouse, 1863. Randolph H. Lytton Historical Virginia collection, C0311, Box 3, Folder 1. Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries
The Randolph H. Lytton Historical Virginia collection
This collection was processed by Processing Student Assistant Bill Keeler.
“Fairfax County was originally granted to Thomas Fairfax, Sixth Lord Fairfax of Cameron by Charles II in 1719. It was not until 1742 that the Virginia Assembly officially established Fairfax as a county. Throughout the 18th century, Fairfax modernized in the form of industry and trade…The 19th century brought conflict and subsequent growth to Fairfax County. Many Civil War battles took place within the county as well as the first land engagement of the American Civil War, which took place on June 1, 1861. During the war, Fairfax Courthouse changed hands many times between the Union and Confederacy. After the war, Fairfax experienced economic growth but also remained an agrarian-driven area. By the mid-20th century, Fairfax had experienced a massive population boom, largely as a result of President Roosevelt’s increase in government programs, which produced large numbers of new citizens within Fairfax itself.
“The collection includes artwork, campaign materials, correspondence, envelopes, indentures, maps, military paperwork, newspapers, paper currency, photographs, postcards, and publications. The items in the collection were collected by George Mason University Emeritus Faculty member Randolph H. Lytton.”
The Carol Berger Chicago performing arts playbills collection
“Kay Carter” photograph, circa 1800s. Randolph H. Lytton Historical Virginia collection, C0311, Box 2, Folder 12. Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries
This collection was processed by Processing Student Intern Amy Blake.
“This collection largely consists of playbills from Chicago’s Lyric Opera House, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and regional theatres collected by Carol Berger. There are also ticket stubs from a handful of the performances, as well as materials from the Art Institute of Chicago. The playbills from Chicago’s Lyric Opera House span the course of twenty-one seasons from the 34th to the 57th. The largest part of the collection consists of playbills from regional theatres from across the United States, including one piece from the San Francisco Opera. A smaller portion of the collection is made up of pamphlets from the Art Institute of Chicago that describe a few fashion and art exhibitions from 1996 to 2015.”
The Bernard Rosenblatt Regional Theatre Council for Northern California and Nevada papers
This finding aid was updated by Processing Student Intern Amy Blake.
“The collection documents the activities of Bernard Rosenblatt and the Regional Theater Council for Northern California and Nevada, as well as related organizations such as the Northern California District of the American Educational Theatre Association and the American Community Theatre Association. Types of records include correspondence, meeting minutes, organizational constitutions, histories, and newsletters dating from 1960-1969. Also included is Bernard Rosenblatt’s collection of theatre programs from institutions across the United States (from the Metropolitan Opera to community theatre productions) dating from 1938-1979.”
The Amy Federman performing arts collection
This finding aid was updated by Processing Student Intern Amy Blake.
“Following World War II, Washington, D.C. gradually acquired a vibrant theatre and performing arts scene, due in large part to the population growth as the federal government expanded. In particular the opening of John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the early 1970s signaled the great importance of performing arts for the citizens of the Washington, D.C. metro area…[The c]ollection largely consists of ephemera that documents performing arts and theater in Washington, D.C. Items include programs, flyers, and ticket stubs. Some of the items are signed.”
Democratic Ticket for Grover Cleveland and Adlai Stevenson, 1892. Randolph H. Lytton Historical Virginia collection, C0311, Box 5, Folder 10. Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries
The Saint Andrew’s Society collection
This collection was reprocessed by Processing Student Intern Amy Blake.
“The Saint Andrew’s Society of Washington, D.C., is a charitable cultural organization for men of Scottish birth or ancestry that works to continue Scottish traditions and culture, promote social activities among its members, and to provide financial assistance to people of Scottish descent. The Society sponsors a series of annual events that are open to the public, including the Burns Nicht Dinner (January), Winter Ceilidh (February), Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan at the National Cathedral (April), Tartan Ball (November), and the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk (December). Its members also take part in a number of affiliated events, including the National Tartan Day activities, the Virginia Scottish Games, and the Alexandria Scottish Heritage Fair. The Saint Andrew’s Society was officially founded in 1855 and incorporated in 1908. It succeeds the previous Saint Andrew’s society in the Alexandria area of Virginia which had its first documented assembly in 1788.
“This collection contains books on Scotland and Scottish clans, and records of the Saint Andrew’s Society. Records include newsletters, letters, photographs, pamphlets, schedules, meeting minutes, and ledgers documenting financial transactions between 1861-1956.”
This finding aid was updated by Processing Student Intern Amy Blake.
“Jean Margaret Davenport Lander was a well-known 19th century actress. Born in England, she made her home in Washington, D.C., following her marriage to Fredrick W. Lander in 1860. She performed in plays in both the United States and Europe. Lander passed away on August 3, 1903 at her residence in Lynn, Massachusetts.
“This collection contains eleven hand-written letters from Jean Lander and others, as well as a partial transcript of the letters.”
Citations
Banner image: Mount Vernon postcard, circa 1900s. Randolph H. Lytton Historical Virginia collection, C0311, Box 5, Folder 23. Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries
A special thank you to Bill Keeler for selecting images from the Randolph H. Lytton Historical Virginia collection for this blog.
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