Alberta Pfeiffer Architectural Collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials. Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Alberta Pfeiffer Architectural Collection, Ms1988-017, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
10.3 Cubic Feet 15 boxes, 3 oversize folders
Creator:
Pfeiffer, Alberta Raffl, 1899-1994
Abstract:
Alberta Pfeiffer graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1923 as one of the first women to achieve a degree in architecture at that institution. The collection contains drawings, photographs, and correspondence of her architectural career. Most projects are residential, and the collection consists of approximately 250 different designs for various jobs.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Alberta Pfeiffer Architectural Collection, Ms1988-017, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Alberta Pfeiffer Architectural Collection contains 15 boxes and 3 oversize folders consisting of drawings, photographs, and correspondence relating to Pfeiffer's architectural career. Most projects are residential, and the collection contains approximately 250 different designs for various projects.

Biographical / historical:

Alberta Pfeiffer was an architect from Hadlyme, Connecticut, and born in Red Bud, Illinois, in 1899. Pfeiffer was one of the first women to study architecture at the University of Illinois--Urbana/Champaign where she graduated first in her class (1923). She was also the first woman to win the American Institute of Architects School Medal.

She began her 55 year career as an architect at the Chicago firm Tallmadge and Watson. After a year she returned to the University of Illinois for graduate work. In 1925, she moved to New York City where she worked with the Harrie T. Lindberg architectural firm until she set up practice in Hadlyme with her husband, Homer F. Pfeiffer, in the early 1930s.

Their practice was mainly residential focusing on design and renovations in the area surrounding Hadlyme, Connecticut. In 1940, Homer joined the Navy to supervise the construction of naval housing, hospitals, and other facilities while Alberta continued their firm's work on her own. After the war Alberta established her own private practice and flourished in the post-war boom recalling during the 1950s and 1960s she was never without a project and often had as many as ten designs on her desk at the same time. At her retirement in 1977 she had designed and/or renovated over 250 projects.

She was active in many professional and community groups joining the Society of Connecticut Craftsmen (1935) and a lifetime member of the Connecticut Society of Architects. Pfeiffer was a member of the local board of Education and the Zoning Board, and was involved in mental health issues and activities.

Pfeiffer died in 1994.

More information on Alberta Pfeiffer is available from the IAWA Biographical Database.

Acquisition information:
Alberta Pfeiffer Architectural Collection was donated to Special Collections in 1988 and 1993.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Alberta Pfeiffer Architectural Collection was completed in November 2010.

Arrangement:

The collection is divided into two series:

Series I. Professional Papers are arranged alphabetically.

Series II. Projects are arranged by project job number, with unknown numbers at the end in alphabetical order.

Physical location:
Please note: Boxes 1-15 are located in off-site storage and may require 2-3 days notice for retrieval. Contact Special Collections for more information.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard