Skip to main content

Search

My Visit
Donate
Home Smithsonian Institution

Site Navigation

  • Visit
    • Museums and Zoo
    • Entry and Guidelines
    • Maps and Brochures
    • Dine and Shop
    • Accessibility
    • Visiting with Kids
    • Group Visits
      • Group Sales
  • What's On
    • Exhibitions
      • Current
      • Upcoming
      • Past
    • Online Events
    • All Events
    • IMAX & Planetarium
  • Explore
    • - Art & Design
    • - History & Culture
    • - Science & Nature
    • - Innovation & Tech
    • Collections
      • Open Access
      • Snapshot
    • Research Resources
      • Libraries
      • Archives
        • Smithsonian Institution Archives
        • Air and Space Museum
        • Anacostia Community Museum
        • American Art Museum
        • Archives of American Art
        • Archives of American Gardens
        • American History Museum
        • American Indian Museum
        • Asian Art Museum Archives
        • Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, African Art
        • Hirshhorn Archive
        • National Anthropological Archives
        • National Portrait Gallery
        • Ralph Rinzler Archives, Folklife
        • Libraries' Special Collections
    • Podcasts
    • Stories
  • Learn
    • For Caregivers
    • For Educators
      • Art & Design Resources
      • Science & Nature Resources
      • Social Studies & Civics Resources
      • STEAM Learning Resources
      • Professional Development
      • Events for Educators
      • Field Trips
    • For Students
    • For Academics
    • For Lifelong Learners
  • Support Us
    • Become a Member
    • Renew Membership
    • Make a Gift
    • Volunteer
      • Smithsonian Call Center
      • Ambassador Program
      • Museum Information Desk
      • Docent Programs
      • Behind-the-Scenes
      • Digital Volunteers
      • Participatory Science
  • About
    • Our Organization
      • Board of Regents
        • Members
        • Committees
        • Reading Room
        • Bylaws, Policies and Procedures
        • Schedules and Agendas
        • Meeting Minutes
        • Actions
        • Webcasts
        • Contact
      • Museums and Zoo
      • Research Centers
      • Cultural Centers
      • Education Centers
      • General Counsel
        • Legal History
        • Internships
        • Records Requests
          • Reading Room
        • Tort Claim
        • Subpoenas & Testimonies
        • Events
      • Office of Human Resources
        • Employee Benefits
        • How to Apply
        • Job Opportunities
        • Job Seekers with Disabilities
        • Frequently Asked Questions
        • SI Civil Program
        • Contact Us
      • Office of Equal Opportunity
        • EEO Complaint Process
        • Individuals with Disabilities
        • Small Business Program
          • Doing Business with Us
          • Contracting Opportunities
          • Additional Resources
        • Special Emphasis Programs
      • Sponsored Projects
        • Policies
          • Combating Trafficking in Persons
          • Animal Care and Use
          • Human Research
        • Reports
        • Internships
    • Our Leadership
    • Reports and Plans
      • Annual Reports
      • Metrics Dashboard
        • Dashboard Home
        • Virtual Smithsonian
        • Public Engagement
        • National Collections
        • Research
        • People & Operations
      • Strategic Plan
    • Newsdesk
      • News Releases
      • Media Contacts
      • Photos and Video
      • Media Kits
      • Fact Sheets
      • Visitor Stats
      • Secretary and Admin Bios
      • Filming Requests

Print Council of America records

Archives of American Art

Object Details

Creator
Print Council of America
Names
Print Council of America. Newsletter
Degas, Edgar, 1834-1917
Fine, Ruth, 1941-
Haverkamp Begemann, Egbert
Ostrow, Stephen E.
Reed, Sue Welsh
Occupation
Art dealers
Topic
Curators -- United States
Printmakers
Prints
Prints -- societies, etc
Prints -- Technique -- United States
Provenance
The Print Council of America records were donated in multiple installments from 1981 to 2020 via former council presidents Andrew Robinson, Sue Reed, Jay Fisher, Marjorie B. Cohn, and James A. Ganz and in 2020 via Jane Myers McNamara, Coordinator, Oral History Program.
Creator
Print Council of America
See more items in
Print Council of America records
Sponsor
Funding for the processing of this collection was provided by the Print Council of America.
Summary
The records of the Print Council of America measure 24.5 linear feet and 3.02 GB, and date from 1951 to 2020. The collection includes administrative files, correspondence and subject files, interviews, some in digital format, exhibition and project files, financial records, and printed materials that document the council's founding and activities as a non-profit, professional organization of print specialists.
Biographical / Historical
The Print Council of America (est. 1956- ) is a non-profit, professional organization of print specialists in Boston, Massachusetts. The idea of a print council began in 1954 when a group of prominent art collectors, curators, and scholars gathered in New York to discuss creating a national organization that could promote prints and print collecting. After much discussion, by-laws and other legal documentation were drawn up by Joshua Binion Cahn, a legal advisor for the Print Council of America, to establish the organization. Some of the earliest members of the council, including Adelyn Breeskin, Gustav von Groschwitz, Una Johnson, William Lieberman, A. Hyatt Mayor, Elizabeth Mongan, Paul J. Sachs, and Carl Zigrosser, were led by Lessing J. Rosenwald, an art collector and son of Julius Rosenwald, who was part owner of Sears, Roebuck and Company. Rosenwald's mission was to "foster the creation, dissemination, and appreciation of fine prints, old and new," and to encourage and professionalize the preservation, administration, and study of print collections in the United States and Canada. Eventually the organization evolved to become an authority on print standards, educating print professionals and collectors on how to prevent fraudulent practices by learning ways to identify authentic or "original" prints. As an authority on prints, the council published numerous guides and directories of print resources. One of the council's most notable accomplishments was the compilation of European, American, and Japanese print resources into the Index of Print Catalogues Raisonné online database. The council also aimed to provide its members with an avenue to share ideas through holding annual meetings. After the closing of the organization's New York office in 1973, annual and semi-annual meetings continued to be a valuable resource for members. Today, the council continues to provide educational tools and resources for print professionals.
Function
Arts organizations
Extent
24.5 Linear feet
3.02 Gigabytes
Date
1951-2020
Archival Repository
Archives of American Art
Identifier
AAA.princoun
Type
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Gigabytes
Interviews
Photographs
Sound recordings
Transcripts
Citation
Print Council of America records, 1951-2020. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged as seven series. Series 1: Administrative Files, 1955-2016 (9.2 linear feet; Boxes 1-7, 24-28, OV 29; 0.26 gigabytes, ER01) Series 2: Correspondence and Subject Files, 1953-2016 (5.9 linear feet; Boxes 7-12) Series 3: Oral History Project, 2006-2016 (0.4 linear feet; Box 13; 2.76 gigabytes, ER02-ER20) Series 4: Exhibition Files, 1956-2005 (3.0 linear feet; Boxes 13-16, OV 29) Series 5: Project Files, 1956-2013 (3.4 linear feet; Boxes 16-19, OV 29) Series 6: Financial Records, 1956-1995 (1.5 linear feet; Boxes 19-21) Series 7: Printed Materials, 1951-2016 (1.1 linear feet; Boxes 21-22)
Processing Information
The collection was processed and a finding aid prepared by Sarah Mundy in 2017 with funding provided by the Print Council of America. Born-digital addition material was processed by Kirsi Ritosalmi-Kisner in 2021 with funding provided by Smithsonian Collection Care and Preservation Fund.
Genre/Form
Interviews
Photographs
Sound recordings
Transcripts
Scope and Contents
The records of the Print Council of America measure 24.5 linear feet and 3.02 GB, and date from 1951 to 2020. The collection includes administrative files, correspondence and subject files, interviews, some in digital format, exhibition and project files, financial records, and printed materials that document the council's founding and activities as a non-profit, professional organization of print specialists. Administrative files consist of general administrative records and files for memberships, board of directors, trustees, committees, and digital photographs. Correspondence and subject files contain a mixture of correspondence, writings, and printed material for various correspondents and topics. The oral history project consists of twenty digital sound recordings and transcripts of interviews with council members Alan Fern, Ruth Fine, Egbert Haverkamp-Begemann, Stephen E. Ostrow, Sue Reed, Robert Waddell, and others. Files for exhibitions include American Prints Today 1959 and 1962 , the VII São Paulo Biennial exhibition Eleven American Printmakers (1963), the New York World's Fair of 1964-1965, and 30 Contemporary American Prints (1964). Project files include documentation for the Index to Print Catalogues Raisonné database, other publishing and research projects, surveys, a print collection in India, the People-to-People Program, the sales of an Edgar Degas work, and project proposals. Financial records consist of cash vouchers, check stub books, financial reports, disbursement and cash receipt ledgers, The Lessing and Edith Rosenwald Foundation grant information, paid bills, and tax information. In printed materials are issues of Print Council's Newsletter, press releases, print sales and exhibition catalogs, reprints of advertisements, informational flyers created by the council, and a booklet marking the council's 50th anniversary.
Restrictions
Use of original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Washington, D.C. Research Center. Use of born-digital records with no duplicate copies requires advance notice.
Related link
Record ID
ebl-1519218607522-1519218607559-0
Metadata Usage
CC0
GUID
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/mw91764af3b-0da1-43a4-a5b7-9d4c8bab3662

In the Collection

Pages

  • « first
  • ‹ previous
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • next ›
  • last »
  • Form Letters

  • Fryberger, Betsy G. interviewed by Marilyn Symmes, Palo Alto, CA (2020 January 17), Digital Audio Recording, Photograph and Documents

  • American Prints Today 1959, Correspondence

  • 2006 Meeting, Business Meeting Minutes

  • Rosenwald, Lessing J. - Testimonial Dinner (April 25, 1968)

  • 1973 Meeting, Minutes and Correspondence

  • Original Prints, Press Meeting Regarding Fraudulent Prints

  • 2004 Mid-Winter Meeting, Minutes and Agenda

  • Traveling and International Exhibitions, United States Information Agency

  • Consagra, Francesca interviewed by Evelyn Lincoln, St. Louis, MO (2016 May 4-5), Digital Audio Recordings and Document

  • 2002 Mid-Winter Meeting, Minutes

  • Informational Flyer, "Conservation and Restoration Bibliography"

  • Corporate Resolutions

  • 30 Contemporary American Prints (1964), Correspondence

  • Tax Exemption as Charitable Organization

  • American Prints Today 1962, Framing

  • American Prints Today 1962, Correspondence for First Showing

  • Paid Bills

  • Reed, Sue Interview, Digital Audio Recording and Documents

  • American Prints Today 1962, Planning

  • 2013 Meeting, Business Meeting Minutes

  • Rothchild Printing Company

  • 2009 Meeting, Business Meeting Minutes

  • 1975 Meeting, Minutes and Handouts

  • Executive Committee, December 3, 1969 - Meeting Minutes

  • Rosenwald, Lessing J.

  • Walker, Robert M.

  • Smithsonian Institution

  • L, General

  • Shestack, Alan Interviewed by Peter Parshall

  • 1979 Meeting, Minutes and Correspondence

  • 2001 Mid-Winter Meeting, Minutes

  • Book, "Print Collector's Yearbook" (1962), Research and Correspondence on Print Collector's Quarterly

  • Periodical, Newsletter, Nos. 21-22

  • Reed, Sue Interviewed by Aprile Gallant

  • American Prints Today 1962, Advertising

  • 2015 Meeting, Registration Packet and "Highlights of the Annual Meeting"

  • Elections

  • Fern, Alan and Richard Field Interviews

  • Elections

  • P, General

  • Card File, Unlabeled Set

  • Sayre, Eleanor A.

  • Elections

  • 2006 Meeting, Registration Packet

  • W, General

  • 1984 Meeting, Photographs with Correspondence

  • K, General

  • X-Z, General

  • American Prints Today 1959, Publisher - Drukkerij C.A. Spin and Zoon N.V.

  • Enrollment, Individuals and Institutions, M-P

  • American Prints Today 1959, Correspondence for First Showing

  • Fogg Art Museum

  • By-Laws, Amended

  • Von Groschwitz, Gustave

  • Tait, Weller and Baker, Accountants

  • Keyes, Roger Interviewed by Jan Howard

  • Roth, Elizabeth Interviewed by Richard Field

  • American Prints Today 1959, Final Report and Analysis

  • Paid Bills

  • Johnson, Una

  • Stampfle, Felice

  • 1967 Meeting, Minutes

  • V, General

  • 1958 Meeting, Minutes and Activities Planned for 1957-1961

  • Periodical, Newsletter, Nos. 23-24

  • 2003 Mid-Winter Meeting, Report and Schedule

  • Field, Richard Sampson interviewed by Ruth Fine, Philadelphia, PA (2012 September 27-28), Digital Documents

  • Periodical, Newsletter, Nos. 31-32

  • Cash Vouchers

  • Periodical, Print Exhibitions Calendar, Nos. 1-14

  • American Prints Today 1959, Invitation Lists

  • Gray, James - Hooven-Nahm Inc., Printing Services

  • 2000 Mid-Winter Meeting, Minutes

  • Sears, Roebuck and Co.

  • Original Prints, Käthe Kollwitz Reproductions

  • Haverkamp-Begemann, Egbert Interview, Digital Audio Recordings

  • 1959 Meeting, Minutes and Correspondence

  • Curatorial Restructuring Committee

  • Enrollment, Individuals and Institutions, I-L

  • Macmillan Company

  • 2015 Mid-Winter Meeting, Minutes

  • Elections

  • 1970 Meeting, Minutes and Correspondence

  • Award, Distinguished Service Citation from United States Information Agency

  • Robert G. Rifkind Collection

  • Elections

  • Rosenwald, Lessing J.

  • New Members Emeritus List

  • 2002 Meeting, Minutes

  • 1995 Meeting, Correspondence re: Referendum on Civil Rights in Ohio

  • 2005 Meeting, Registration Packet

  • 2012 Meeting, Registration Packet and Report on Meeting

  • 1972 Meeting, Minutes and Correspondence

  • 2001 Meeting, Business Meeting Minutes

  • 1998 Mid-Winter Meeting, Agenda and Report

  • Original Prints, Program of Information

  • Enrollment, Individuals and Institutions, M-P

  • 1977 Meeting and Mid-Winter Meeting, Minutes and Correspondence

  • Perkinson, Roy Interviewed by Joan Wright

Pages

  • « first
  • ‹ previous
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • next ›
  • last »
Advertising with Dealers and Galleries, Correspondence and Clippings
View Slideshow
There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
View manifest View in Mirador Viewer
View Finding aid

Footer logo

Link to homepage

Footer navigation

  • Contact Us
  • Job Opportunities
  • Get Involved
  • Inspector General
  • Records Requests
  • Accessibility
  • EEO & Small Business
  • Shop Online
  • Host Your Event
  • Press Room
  • Privacy
  • Terms of Use

Social media links

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn

Get the latest news from the Smithsonian

Sign up for Smithsonian e-news

Get the latest news from the Smithsonian

Email powered by BlackBaud (Privacy Policy, Terms of Use)
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Back to Top