The New-York Historical Society Annual Report BOARD OF TRUSTEES ROBERT G. GOELET, President ANDREW OLIVER, D.CN.L., ES.A., First Vice-President R. McALLISTER LLOYD, LL.D., Second Vice-President ROBERT S. BEEKMAN, M.D., Third Vice-President LUCIUS WILMERDING, JR., Fourth Vice-President MRS. JOHN KEAN, L.H.D., Recording Secretary FRANK S. STREETER, Treasurer Term Ending 1977 Term Ending 1979 Jarvis Cromwell Robert S. Beekman Harry W. Havemeyer Robert G. Goelet James D. Landauer Walter Lord Andrew Oliver Townsend M. McAlpin John H. G. Pell, LL.D., L.H.D. Lucius Wilmerding, Jr. Term Ending 1978 Term Ending 1980 Harmon H. Goldstone James J. Beha Mrs. John Kean Mrs. Robert James Malone R. McAllister Lloyd Frank S. Streeter Russell Lynes, A.E D., L.H.D. Alexander O. Vietor Honorary Trustees Frederick B. Adams, Jr., Rodney W. Williams A.ED., Lrrr.D., L.H.D. COMMITTEES On Museum On Library On Membership Russell Lynes Alexander O. Vietor Jarvis Cromwell Andrew Oliver Frank S. Streeter Mrs. John Kean Robert S. Beekman Mrs. Robert James Malone Robert S. Beekman Harmon H. Goldstone Lucius Wilmerding, Jr. Walter Lord Harmon H. Goldstone On Finance On Building Frank S. Streeter On Publications James D. Landauer R. McAllister Lloyd Walter Lord R. McAllister Lloyd Jarvis Cromwell Russell Lynes Frank S. Streeter James D. Landauer Lucius Wilmerding, Jr. Harmon H. Goldstone Harry W. Havemeyer Andrew Oliver Lucius Wilmerding, Jr. On Nominations On Law Ex-Ofjicio, All Committees James D. Landauer Townsend M. McAlpin Mr. Goelet Townsend M. McAlpin Andrew Oliver Mr. Streeter Mrs. Robert James Malone James J. Beha Dr. Heslin JAMES J. HESLIN, PH.D., Director •^KflH THE fl* ^Hj New -York Historical Society ANNUAL REPORT HI FOR THE YEAR 1976 FOUNDED NOVEMBER 20, 1804 INCORPORATED 1809 CENTRAL PARK WEST AND 77TH STREET NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10024 THE NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Library Open from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. except Sundays and Mondays The Museum Open free to the public from 1 to 5 P.M. except Mondays Open Saturdays from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Copyright © 1977 by The New-York Historical Society. The view of the Society's building on the cover was engraved in 1904 for the certificate issued to Fellows of the Society. Designed by Klaus Gemming, New Haven, Connecticut. Set by Finn Typographic Ser­ vice, Inc., Stamford, Connecticut. Printed by The Meriden Gravure Company, Meriden, Connecticut. TABLE OF CONTENTS BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT 7 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 9 THE LIBRARY 11 t THE MUSEUM 21 ADDENDA 26 REPORT OF THE TREASURER 30 DONORS 39 NECROLOGY 46 MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY 47 PRESIDENTS AND MEDALISTS OF THE SOCIETY 61 THE STAFF 62 The Declaration of Independence, woven on silk, from the painting by John Trumbull. Made by Wullschleger and Co., Lyons, France, in 192S, to commemorate American independence. Gift of Jarvis Cromwell. t REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT IN MY REPORT FOR 1975 I referred to the imminent observance of the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence. The Bicenten­ nial is now behind us, but the observance of the establishment of the nation, which was commemorated by our Society with various exhibi­ tions, has left us richer. Stimulated by the heightened interest in American history during 1976, attendance at the Society increased substantially, and much favorable publicity was received. There was as well a welcome gain in contributions both in cash and kind, the latter valued at approximately $220,000. Our collections are extensive and significant, but the task of strengthening them is always with us. From funds restricted by donors for special purposes, we purchased items to the value of nearly $253,000. It is heartening to report that during the year the New York State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and a number of foundations and corporations helped to finance exhibitions and some of our operating expenses. The financial aid we received from all sources was deeply appreciated and is warmly acknowledged. The search for funds to carry on our programs and properly house and maintain our collections in this inflationary period is time-con­ suming, but vital. We hope that all the members and friends of the Society will continue their support and, if possible, suggest new sources of funds. It is my sad duty to report the deaths, during the past year, of two dedicated trustees, Mr. Carl Otto von Kienbusch and Mr. John E. Parsons. These gentlemen were of great service to the Society over the years, and their absence will be sorely missed. Mr. Frederick B. Adams, Jr., my predecessor as president of the Society, submitted his resignation as a trustee. In order not to lose his counsel and experience he was elected an honorary trustee by the board. Over the past twelve months I have never lacked for advice and guidance from the board of trustees and have been impressed by the dedicated labors of the staff. To both I am deeply grateful. Robert G. Goelet, PRESIDENT [7] f* 111 Cw| % femii•* The Great Central Park Menagerie, lithograph by Endicott & Co., ca. i8jos. From the Bella C. Landauer Collection. £ t 0 *S» REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR HIXTENSIVE military preparations in New York two hundred years ago made many New Yorkers uneasy. There was anxiety that British ships in the harbor might bombard the city. In March, the British evacuation of Boston and, in July, the signing and proclamation of the Declaration of Independence produced a cheerful excitement throughout the colonies. This sentiment gradually subsided as British military activities became more threatening during the summer of 1776. After the Battle of Long Island, New York came under British military occupation and remained so until 1783. During 1976 the Society concentrated its activities in observing the nation's bicentennial and those important events of two hundred years ago. Eleven exhibitions were installed that reflected various aspects of the American scene and which affirmed the significance we attach to a knowledge of our country's history. The variety of the ex­ hibitions emphasizes the variety of the Society's collections—a reflec­ tion of the kaleidoscope of American history. The effort and energy involved in researching and preparing exhibitions is extensive, but the staff surmounted the difficulties with admirable dispatch. Not the least of these tasks is the never-ending chore of conserving our col­ lections. Both Mary Black and Richard J. Koke cooperated in the instal­ lation of a loan exhibition, The Dutch Republic in the Days of John Adams, a contribution by the people of the Netherlands to America's bicentennial celebration. The exhibition of our Bella C. Landauer Collection of advertising material, funded by a grant from the Mobil Oil Corporation and installed by Mary Black, attracted considerable attention. 200 Years of American Illustration, sponsored by the Society and The Society of Illustrators and supported by Exxon Corporation, was another successful exhibition. We welcomed 427,863 visitors to the Society in 1976. Many of them were from outside the metropolitan area and, doubtless, were at­ tracted to the city by its cultural richness as well as by the lively events of the bicentennial year. Prominent among our visitors was [9] [ lO ] ANNUAL REPORT His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, who was conducted on a tour of the building by the director. The programs conducted by the education department included guided tours for United Nations personnel, senior citizens, and the handicapped. The department also provided programs for school chil­ dren as well as for young people of college age. In addition, it man­ aged the film programs, the Sunday afternoon concerts in the winter and, aided by volunteers, undertook the task of escorting many visi­ tors around the galleries. The building itself was maintained in its usual exemplary condition by the efforts of Mr. Robert E Muntzner, superintendent of buildings, and his maintenance staff. It is no mere convention that prompts the expression of gratitude for the aid we received during 1976. Our Pintard Fellows continue to be of vital importance. The National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, Mobil Oil Corporation, and Exxon Corporation all helped us in installing exhibitions and conserving our collections. The staff, one and all, rallied to preserve our historical items and make them known to the public and also worked to embel­ lish and strengthen the Society's resources. Their assistance was cru­ cial in the success of this past year. I express my utmost thanks to the staff. James J. Heslin, DIRECTOR THE LIBRARY JL/URING the often dramatic celebration of the nation's bicentennial, the Society's library was doing a little quiet celebrating of its own. In fact, the library has been observing the Bicentennial for the past ten years or longer by assisting an ever increasing number of authors in preparing publications to mark the nation's two hundredth birthday. Hardly had centennial studies of the Civil War abated when research started on bicentennial histories of nearly every aspect of the Ameri­ can Revolution. Many of these articles and books were written be­ tween 1965 and 1975 but were held for publication until 1976. Among them, 116 contained acknowledgments to the Society. Time after time, authors praised the scope and depth of the collection and the cour­ teous helpfulness of the staff as individuals and as a team. Collecting, preserving, and assisting are our raisons d'etre; knowing that we have fulfilled these objectives forms the basis for our celebration. We were also pleased throughout the year by the unusually large number of distinguished visitors who came to the library from all sec­ tions of this country and from abroad.