Eleanore Pettersen 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:

Collection is open to 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], Eleanore Pettersen Architectural Collection, Ms2003-018, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
296 Cubic Feet 219 boxes; 7 map cases
Abstract:
Eleanore K. Pettersen (1916-2003) received a Certificate in Architecture from Cooper Union for Advancement of Science and Art in 1941, and was an apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin from 1941-1943. She was one of the first women licensed as an architect in the state of New Jersey in 1950, and was the first woman in New Jersey to open her own architectural office. She primarily designed residences and was also very active in professional and civic organizations. She became a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) in 1991. The collection consists of project files, sketches, blueprints, drawings, models, photographs, and other material relating to over 600 of Pettersen's projects as well as material relating to her participation in various professional and civic organizations. The materials in the collection range in date from 1915-2003 with the bulk of the material dating 1950-2000.
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], Eleanore Pettersen Architectural Collection, Ms2003-018, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

Pettersen's collection encompasses over fifty years of architectural practice including project files, sketches, drawings, blueprints, models, slides and photographs representing approximately 600 designs. The collection also contains Pettersen's personal papers including biographical information, family papers, and photographs. The materials range in date from 1915-2003 (bulk 1950-2000) and are divided into five series: Personal Papers, Professional Papers, Office Records, Project Records, and Artifacts and Models. See the contents list below for more detail about the individual series.

Biographical / historical:
Ageless Perceptions IV: Senior Women in Architecture
1991 will be my fortieth year as an architectural principal with my own office. Architecture has been a total commitment. If I were to make a choice all over again, the choice would be the same. Architecture has imbued me with a sense of self worth and has given me the privilege of contributing a new sense of life and meaning to my clients and their families.
Ageless Perceptions IV – Senior Women in ArchitectureEleanore Pettersen, FAIA/Four DecadesTaliesin Legacy: The Independent Work of Frank Lloyd Wright Apprentices
Acquisition information:
The Eleanore Pettersen Architectural Collection was donated to Special Collections in September 2003. Additions were received in April 2010 and August 2011.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement and description of the Eleanore Pettersen Architectural Collection commenced in February, 2009 and was completed in February, 2010. Preliminary processing was untaken by Amy Vilelle in 2007.

Arrangement:

The Eleanore Pettersen Architecture Collection is divided into five series: Personal Papers, Professional Papers, Office Records, Project Records, and Art, Artifacts, Models. The series are arranged alphabetically by subject except for the Project Records. They are arranged in a project index alphabetically by client's name.

Physical description:
Some of the materials in the collection were matted for inclusion in "Glass Ceilings: Highlights from the IAWA Center" an exhibit held at the Virginia Center for Architecture, Richmond, VA, 2010.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard