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Mimi Benzell papers, 1853-1971

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Benzell, Mimi
Title
Mimi Benzell papers
Dates
1853-1971 (inclusive)
1930-1971 (bulk)
Quantity
81.36 cubic feet (124 boxes)
Collection Number
03860
Summary
Mimi Benzell was an American soprano renowned for her performances with the Metropolitan Opera, on Broadway, and in television and radio shows. This collection contains the personal and professional papers of Mimi Benzell, as well as her collection of audio-visual materials and music scores.
Repository
American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu
Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.

Languages
English
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Historical Note

Mimi Benzell was an American soprano renowned for her performances with the Metropolitan Opera, on Broadway, and in television and radio shows. Born Miriam Ruth Benzell in April 1918 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, she later moved to New York City, where she pursued music studies at James Madison High School, Hunter College, and the Mannes School of Music. Initially a piano student, Benzell switched to voice and made her operatic debut in Mexico City in 1944 at age 26, followed by her Metropolitan Opera debut in January 1945 as the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute. She performed with the Metropolitan Opera from 1944 to 1952, appearing in notable productions such as La Boheme, Rigoletto, and Carmen. Benzell also appeared on Broadway in the 1961 musical Milk and Honey and was a frequent guest on The Ed Sullivan Show. In addition to her performances, she held the position of director of the Nassau County Office of Performing and Fine Arts from 1969 to 1970. Benzell was married to Walter Gould and was active in charitable work. She passed away from cancer in December 1970 at the age of 52.

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Content Description

This collection contains the personal and professional papers of Mimi Benzell, as well as her collection of audio-visual materials and music scores. Her personal papers include correspondence, awards, books, artifacts, and scrapbooks related to her life. The professional papers feature advertising and publicity, the majority of which are programs and newspaper clippings featuring Mimi. Also included are professional photographs of Mimi throughout her career. Her audio-visual collection contains home audio recordings on both audio reels and phonograph records, as well as professional recordings of her performances, and her radio show, The Mimi Benzell Show. The music scores series contains scores, music books, and sheet music from Mimi’s time as a student and throughout her professional career and includes many of the pieces she performed.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Copyright Information

The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Restrictions on Use

Statement on Potentially Harmful Language and Images Found in Collections

The American Heritage Center aspires to approach all areas of our work in ways that are respectful to those who create, use, and are represented in our collections. For a variety of reasons, however, users may encounter offensive or harmful language or images in some of our finding aids, catalogs, and collection materials.

Note that the AHC does not censor or alter contents of the collections as they provide context and evidence of a time, people, place, or event. Therefore, we encourage users to bring questions and concerns about descriptions in our finding aids to our attention via email or anonymous web-form. For more information, read our full statement.

Preferred Citation

Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

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Administrative Information

Related Materials

Mimi Benzell, 1954, M123.03.0036.0015.00001. Central City Opera House Association Records, M123. Special Collections and Archives.

Benzell, Mimi, 1969-1975, Box: 1, Folder: 34. Mannes School of Music clippings and scrapbook collection, MA-03-01-01. The New School Archives.

Acquisition Information

The material was received from Walter Gould in 1972-1973 and 1979.

Processing Note

This collection was processed by Brittany Heye in August of 2024.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Metropolitan Opera Guild.
  • Musical theater -- United States -- 20th century.
  • Musicals -- United States -- 20th century.
  • Opera -- United States -- 20th century.
  • Operas -- United States -- 20th century.
  • Radio personalities -- United States -- 20th century.
  • Radio programs, Musical -- United States -- 20th century.
  • Radio talk shows -- United States -- 20th century.
  • Women in radio broadcasting -- United States -- 20th century.
  • Women singers -- United States -- 20th century.

Corporate Names

  • Metropolitan Opera (New York, N.Y.)

Form or Genre Terms

  • Audiotapes.
  • Phonograph records.
  • Scores.
  • Scrapbooks.

Titles within the Collection

  • Luncheon with Mimi (Radio program)
  • Railroad hour (Radio program)

Brittany Heye
2024

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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