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Historical Photograph Collection, 1850/2010

Abstract Or Scope

The Historical Photograph Collection is largely comprised of materials created by or for the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. Some of the earliest photographs of the estate were created and sold to visitors by the Association as a means of income. Those efforts helped to establish an important collection of 19th century views. The collection spans the 1850s to 2000s and includes over 140 linear feet of analog material providing a visual history of the Mansion, outbuildings, tombs, grounds, events, visitors, collection objects, personnel, and changes throughout the estate.

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Robert Waldsmith Collection of stereographs and cabinet cards, 1856/1981

Abstract Or Scope

Views of Mount Vernon spanning more than 100 years. The Robert Waldsmith Collection consists of approximately 300 stereographs and cabinet cards by Alexander Gardner, N. G. Johnson, Luke D. Dillon, and others. Highlights of the collection include: several west front views of the Mansion, including the earlist known one by Frederick Langenheim, circa 1856; an early view of the tomb, circa 1857, and a collection of Washington statues and buildings honoring the first President.

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Thomas Connors Collection, 1805/1923

Abstract Or Scope

Contains 19th and early 20th century British and American theater memorabilia, including autographs of major actors, writers, and managers; and letters, broadsides, and photographs.

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Sarah Tracy Collection, 1859/1868

Abstract Or Scope

Collection of 80 photographs which belonged to Miss Sarah C. Tracy (later Mrs. Upton H. Herbert), resident secretary at Mount Vernon during the Civil War years. The pictures most of which are cartes de visite were collected by Miss Tracy; some were obviously presented to her, after the fashion of the day, and are inscribed. Besides the one of herself there are three of Mount Vernon which must date from the years of her residence. Others include Leeds Castle, the English seat of Thomas, Lord Fairfax; the President's House at the Soldiers' Home, Washington, D.C.; the Milwaukee residence of Mrs. Mitchell, Vice-Regent for Wisconsin; General Winfield Scott; General George B. McClellan; W. W. Corcoran of Washington, D.C.; George W. Riggs, Treasurer of the Association; Lord Fairfax; Prince Napoleon; Louis de Geofroy (of the French Legation, who accompanied Price Napoleon to Mount Vernon in August, 1861), inscribed; and Miss Nettie Chase, daughter of Hon. Salmon P. Chase of the Lincoln Cabinet. Also included are pictures of others, chiefly celebrated figures of the nineteenth century; these were probably acquired through gift or purchases, and not presented by the subjects themselves.

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Freeman Hansford Hart Collection, 1910/1965

Office of Communications and Marketing subject files, 1950

In the company of black, 2017

Abstract Or Scope

"In the company of Black is a photography publication that will bring together images of Black people who represent everyday folks. For the past seven years, I have developed a body of work that focuses on portraits of extraordinarily, ordinary people, such as educators, artists, administrators, business owners, teachers, and students. When it comes to Black people, America is fascinated with extreme poles: either showing victims of violence, pain, and poverty (Black misery) or famous athletes and entertainers, and icons of popular culture (Black exceptionalism). This false dichotomy denies Black people the individuality and full spectrum of humanity that is so readily offered to the white population in this country. The photographs that I've been making ask the question: where are the people who make up the space in between? Here they are, they are important, they must be seen!" -- Publisher website.

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Marvin J. Anderson, Jr. papers, 1935/1949

Abstract Or Scope

The bulk of this collection relates to Marvin J. Anderson's United States Army career, including flight training documents, photographs, army records, and a file of documents pertaining to his death and burial.

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Alfred D. Barksdale collection, 1918/1919

Abstract Or Scope

The collection (eight items) documents the World War I United States Army career of Alfred D. Barksdale (VMI Class of 1911). A member of Company L, First Virginia Infantry, National Guard, Barksdale was called to active duty during the World War I. From 1917 to 1919 he served in France with M Company, 116th Infantry, 29th Division. This collection includes a a letter (dated August 20, 1918) from Barksdale to his sister, written shortly after his arrival in France. He comments on the visit of General John J. Pershing to his regimental headquarters and other activities. Also included are three snapshots of Barksdale (circa 1918) and items relating to the award of the Croix de Guerre.

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John E. Roller papers, 1862/1910

Abstract Or Scope

The John E. Roller papers include:

• Civil War era letters from cadet friends concerning life at VMI
• Civil War dispatches and telegrams that date from Roller's service with the Confederate States of America engineers, including one document signed by General Robert E. Lee
• One scrapbook (circa 1910) that contains clippings about Civil War battles, veterans, unit reunions, monument dedications, and other related information
• Two photographs, one of Confederate soldier Lieutenant Colonel Samuel T. Walker (10th Virginia Infantry Regiment) and one of the Virginia Legislature Centennial Committee (1871)
• Holograph text of a cadet literary-debating society speech delivered by Cadet Norwood B. Randolph in 1870
• Other items

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