Performing Arts History Committee records, 1966-1976

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Oregon Historical Society. Performing Arts History Committee
Title
Performing Arts History Committee records
Dates
1966-1976 (inclusive)
Quantity
0.18 cubic feet, (1 slim letter document case)
Collection Number
Mss 314
Summary
Records of a committee organized by the Oregon Historical Society around 1966 to seek out information and materials documenting performing arts in the state. The collection consists primarily of meeting minutes from 1966-1976 and attached correspondence and other documents, and also includes two papers written for seminars at Lewis and Clark College in 1966 and 1968, concerning music history in Oregon.
Repository
Oregon Historical Society Research Library
1200 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR
97205
Telephone: 503-306-5240
Fax: 503-219-2040
libreference@ohs.org
Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

The Performing Arts History Committee was organized by the Oregon Historical Society around 1966, with the goal of seeking out information and materials documenting the performing arts in Oregon. The group was instrumental in creating the Performing Arts Collection (Mss 1523) at the Oregon Historical Society Research Library. At the time of its establishment, the committee was called the Music History Resources Committee; around 1970, it became the Performing Arts Resources Committee, and later the Performing Arts History Committee. Early committee members included Mary Rosenberg, Mary Margaret Dundore, Susie Aubrey Smith, Mrs. Claud G. Farrow, Jr., David Campbell, Robert E. Fessenden, and Arthur C. Spencer; Mary Tobin Winch would later play an important role.

Sources: Collection materials; Hilmar Grohndahl, "State's Musical History Research Effort Subject," Oregonian, October 30, 1966, Section 2 (features), page 16.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection consists primarily of minutes, 1966-1976, from meetings of the Performing Arts History Committee (also named the Music History Resources Committee) of the Oregon Historical Society. The minutes are accompanied by attachments, which include correspondence concerning information and materials sought by the committee, and a document by Mary Ann Campbell Drosch titled "A Suggested Outline for a Proposed Study of Oregon's Musical History." Along with the minutes, the collection includes two papers on music history in Oregon, written for seminars at Lewis and Clark College: "Music in Portland Before 1920" by Judy Cervetto (1966), and "Opportunities for Higher Music Education in Oregon before 1900" by Linda Besant (1968).

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

Performing Arts History Committee records, Mss 314, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.

Restrictions on Use

The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

In part, gift of Arthur C. Spencer III, August 1969 (Lib. Acc. 11201).

Processing Note

Processing of the collection was completed in November 2005. Staples, tape, and newspaper clippings were removed for preservation. Archival copies were produced to replace newspaper articles. Collection description was revised in July 2023 to make corrections and conform to current standard.

Related Materials

The collection compiled by the Performing Arts History Committee, titled the Performing Arts Collection, Mss 1523, is held at the Oregon Historical Society Research Library. It includes additional minutes of the committee.

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Committees--Oregon--Portland
  • Performing arts archives--Oregon
  • Performing arts--Oregon--History

Corporate Names

  • Oregon Historical Society. Music History Resources Committee--Records and correspondence
  • Oregon Historical Society. Performing Arts History Committee--Records and correspondence

Form or Genre Terms

  • histories (literary works)
  • minutes (administrative records)

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Besant, Linda (author)
    • Cervetto, Judy (author)
    Corporate Names
    • Oregon Historical Society. Music History Resources Committee