Architectural League of New York: Archive of Women in Architecture Records

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], Architectural League of New York: Archive of Women in Architecture Records, Ms2005-016, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
5.2 Cubic Feet 4 boxes and 4 oversize folders
Creator:
Architectural League of New York
Abstract:
The Architectural League of New York created the Archive of Women in Architecture Records in 1973 to gather biographical and project data about women professionals in the field of architecture and other related disciplines. This information was used to create a 1977 exhibition and the book, Women in American Architecture: A Historic and Contemporary Perspective, edited by Susana Torre.
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], Architectural League of New York: Archive of Women in Architecture Records, Ms2005-016, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Architectural League of New York: Archive of Women in Architecture Records consist mainly of copies of the form letters sent out by the Archive in 1973 and completed biographical worksheets, project worksheets, and other materials sent by women in reply to the solicitation. The form letter described the archive and its mission and was accompanied by a biographical worksheet and a project worksheet. The biographical worksheet includes information such as name, date of birth, address, telephone, education, awards, fellowships, grants, registration status, professional affiliations, work experience, areas of special interest and additional pertinent data. The project worksheet includes information such as project title, project category, project description, project data, participation in projects, and a place to list what media was submitted to the archive. Acceptable forms of project media included photos, photocopies, 35mm slides and written material not exceeding 8.5 x 11" when folded.

The amount of information about each woman architect in this collection varies because the selection of the materials was left to the judgment of the individual who submitted them. Some folders contain only a copy of the form letter from the Archive, while others include articles written by or about women, or photographs or blueprints of projects. If the folder title indicates "architectural projects," material includes an AWA project worksheet with supporting documentation of the projects, such as photos, slides or written information. If the folder title indicates "architectural drawings," the folder includes some form of architectural plans that accompany supporting documentation.

The collection also includes several publications that were donated to the Archive that deal specifically with working women, women in architecture, and architectural trends. Articles and booklets were retained in the collection, while full published works were cataloged individually. Removed items are listed below under Separated Items.

Biographical / historical:

The Architectural League of New York is a non-profit organization that sponsors exhibitions, research studies, and projects that explore ideas in architecture and related art and design fields. The ALNY promotes excellence and innovation in architecture and urbanism by broadening the knowledge of these fields and communicating the importance of architecture in public life.

In 1973 the ALNY founded the Archive of Women in Architecture as a means to gather data about the careers of women in the field of architecture and other design professions. The project was made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and contributions from CBS, Inc., IBM Corporation, and Harry Winston, Inc. The archive committee consisted of Susana Torre, Coordinator, Phyllis Birkby, Regi Goldberg, Marjorie Hoog, Naomi Leff, Dimon Liu, Mimi Lobell, and Marita O'Hare.

In September of that year, the Archive began a national survey to collect both biographical and project data from women working in the profession. Committee members sent a form letter to women architects describing the archive and its mission, along with both a biographical worksheet and a project worksheet. At this time, Archive committee members also collected information about women who were no longer practicing architects in 1973. From the information gathered for the Archive, a 1977 exhibition and a book, Women in American Architecture: A Historic and Contemporary Perspective, were produced. The Archive of Women in Architecture ceased to collect material after this date.

Acquisition information:
The Architectural League of New York: Archive of Women in Architecture Records were donated to the International Archive of Women in Architecture at the Special Collections in 2002.
Processing information:

Processing, arrangement, and description of the Architectural League of New York: Archive of Women in Architecture Records commenced in June 2005 and was completed in July 2005. Minor revisions occurred in June 2006.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into two series. Most material is stored in legal size folders, but some oversized material is stored in a flat box (Box 4) and in oversize folders.

Series I: Records of Individuals, 1941-1976, n.d., contains material about women architects arranged alphabetically by last name. It includes some oversized architectural plans. Most of this series is undated.

Series II: General Information about Women and Architecture, 1892-1976, is arranged chronologically by date of publication.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard