Items

• Letter, Rebecca Johnson to Miss Anderson, May 19, 1945
  This letter was sent by Miss Rebecca Mary Johnson (July 10, 1905-October 4, 1991) to Miss Marian Anderson (February 27, 1897-April 8, 1993) on May 19, 1945. This letter was sent to share details about “a project for… intercultural advancement” that will feature famous Black Americans, like Marian Anderson (p. 1). Johnson asks Anderson questions about herself to be used in the exhibit for the benefit of the Springfield, Massachusetts community and youth.
• Lancaster Productions International press release for Byard Lancaster
  This press release invites the public to gather in support of and celebrate the birthday of Mrs. Mattie Humphrey, also known as “Sister Majida,” at Morgan’s Jazz Club located at 17 East Price Street in Germantown, Philadelphia.
• Correspondence for James E. Adams
  This letter was sent to the Meet The Composter/New Residencies group at 2112 Broadway, Suite 505 in New York City, NY by Artistic Manager and President of The Philadelphia Clef Club of the Performing Arts, Inc. James E. Adams on October 15, 1992.
• American Federation of Musicians application
  This application for the American Federation of Musicians Local No. 274 was submitted by Byard Lancaster on March 5, 1966 and signed by secretary Frank T. Fairfax.
• The Philadelphia Cotillion Society presents The Dra-Mu Opera Company in "Carmen"
  The Dra-Mu Opera Company, "Dra-Mu", was a significant Black opera company in Philadelphia, active during the mid-20th century. Co-founded by Raymond L. Smith and Henri Elkan (Van Atta 1980), the company provided a platform for Black artists to perform operatic works at a time when opportunities in mainstream opera were limited due to racial discrimination. The Philadelphia Cotillion Society was the oldest Black cotillion organization in the United States. The Philadelphia Cotillion Society played a significant role in the city's cultural and social landscape. It provided a platform for young Black women to be formally introduced to society, celebrating their achievements and fostering community pride. A "cotillion" is a formal ball at which debutantes are presented.
• Letter, William J. Goggans to Miss Anderson, January 26, 1957
  A typed letter from then soldier, educator, and musician William James Goggans (1933-2003) to globally renowned contralto Marian Anderson Fisher (1897-1993). In his letter, Goggans expresses his admiration for Marian Anderson. He congratulates her for being selected as one of the 10 most admired women in the world and asks her to inform him if she plans to perform in the Washington, D.C. area in the near future.
• Letter, John Hassett to Marian Anderson, December 31, 1957
  Little is known about John Hassett, the person. The letter was written on proprietor’s stationery for a South Norwalk, Connecticut retail shop specializing in religious goods, greeting cards, novelties, and gift wrapping (HASSETT’S Religious Goods,1962).
• Letter, Jane Frink to Marian Anderson, September 9, 1974
  Hoosier Jane Frink was an avid singer in high school and college. She garnered numerous awards and medals, according to print media accounts (The Terre Haute Tribune 1974), (The Terre Haute Tribune 1976). She married in 1981, though it was uncertain as to whether her vocal career blossomed (Frink n.d.).
• Letter, Mary Helen Stanek to Marian Anderson, February 21, 1952
  Mary Helen Stanek, age 10, of Lehigh, Iowa, sent a birthday card and brief letter to Marian Anderson, dated February 21, 1952. Stanek writes to wish Anderson “years and years of happiness” upon discovering they share the same birthday, February 27th.
• Letter, Dutch Barhydt to Marian Anderson, May 16,1971
  Thirteen-year-old Dutch Barhydt wrote to Anderson that he is a dedicated autograph collector. His objective is collecting original signatures from famous and influential people, including presidents and prime ministers. The teenager successfully acquired Miss Anderson’s signature.
• Dra Mu Il Trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi
  Dra Mu program for Il Trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi The Dra-Mu Opera Company, "Dra-Mu", was a significant Black opera company in Philadelphia, active during the mid-20th century. Co-founded by Raymond L. Smith and Henri Elkan (Van Atta 1980), the company provided a platform for Black artists to perform operatic works at a time when opportunities in mainstream opera were limited due to racial discrimination.
• The Dra Mu Opera Company presents Carmen
  Program for a concert given by the Dra Mu Opera Company on November 3, 1947 at the Academy of Music.
• Dra Mu, Carmen (photograph)
  This is a photograph of the Dra-Mu Opera Company Orchestra at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia taken in 1947.
• Dra Mu Opera Company Presents Henri Elkan, conductor presents Aida
  Concert program which states that, during intermission, Raymond Pace Alexander, JD paid special tribute to Conductor Henri Elkan (Schloss 1949). The Dra-Mu Opera Company, "Dra-Mu", was a significant Black opera company in Philadelphia, active during the mid-20th century. Co-founded by Raymond L. Smith and Henri Elkan (Van Atta 1980), the company provided a platform for Black artists to perform operatic works at a time when opportunities in mainstream opera were limited due to racial discrimination.
• Harvest Musical Program
  A musical program sponsored by the Youth and Junior Divisions of The Philadelphia Branch National Association of Negro Musicians Inc.
• Photograph of the cast and crew of David's Rock
  Likely taken during a pre-production rehearsal at a nearby church, as suggested by the rows of pews and hymnals in the foreground.
• David's Rock flyer
  Flyer for David's Rock musical
• David's Rock program
  This three-page program is for a rock opera called “David’s Rock” directed, written, and choreographed by Claude A. Boyd from 1983. The program provides a synopsis of the opera, includes a complete list of the characters, musicians, production staff, special thanks, and list of future performances.
• Earl's All Girl Chorus
  Earl Hubbard’s All‑Girl Chorus was a community-based chorus directed by William Earl Hubbard. The Chorus was noted as singing at a Historical Pageant celebrating Pennington, NJ (Pennington Sesquibicentennial 250th Booklet, 1958).
• Song Lyrics, Handwritten
  Song lyrics noted by Jean Smith, a member of Earl's All-Girl Chorus, a Pennington singing group directed by William Earl Hubbard. The lyrics show the repertoire for the chorus and include both religious and gospel songs. 94 sheets of loose paper with handwritten song lyrics, mid-20th century.
• Standing Victrola
  Originally belonged to the Smith brothers (Alfonso, Clarence, Raymond, and Leon), who were born in Neshanic Station to Joseph Smith Jr. and Cora Smith of Pennington. The brothers pooled their money to purchase the Victrola for their family's enjoyment.
• Organ at Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church
  Pump organ, pre-1917. Made by the Cornish Company in Washington, NJ, which ceased organ production around 1922. The organ was played at the First Baptist Church in Pennington..
• Toy Violin and Case
  Handmade child's violin and instrument case, late-20th century. Built by William Earl Hubbard (1908-2002), a self-taught violinist and music teacher, for his niece Danielle Thompson.
• Program for recital at Ethical Society Auditorium.
  Lockhart's program for recital at Ethical Society Auditorium
• Mrs. M. S. Patterson annual event news clipping
  News clipping about dance recital, "The Unveiling of Spring". Mary Emma Saunders Patterson (1872 - 1950) was known beyond Philadelphia's church circles and musical societies. Patterson had cultivated a reputation for nurturing young voices with precision and discipline.