Jane Rosenthal Papers
Scope and Contents Note
This collection consists of a scrapbook entitled "My Book: Gallery Activities and Associates" that was apparently kept by Jane Rosenthal, an educator at the Museum, between 1938 and 1968. The bulk of the materials are clippings and photographs about the activities of the William Rockhill Nelson Gallery of Art and Mary Atkins Museum of Fine Arts (later the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art) during World War II and the professional and personal experiences of its heavily female staff at that time, as well as letters and v-mail from Museum Director Paul Gardner during his military service in World War II. Lt. Colonel Paul Gardner served as director of the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives Section (“Monuments Men”) of the Allied Military Government in Italy. As such he was charged with preserving art treasures endangered by the war. His service as a monuments man began in Ischia, a small volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples, where he initially served as military governor. Also included are clippings about his wartime work with the commission and more generally about Nazi looting of art.
Dates
- Creation: 1938-1968
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1944-1945
Restrictions on Access
Open to researchers. Appointments are necessary for the use of manuscript and archival collections.
Conditions Governing Use Note
These records are the property of the Nelson Gallery Foundation and it retains all rights, including possible copyright, which they may contain.
Biographical / Historical Note
According to the Museum's annual report for 1938 (dated March 30, 1939), "Miss Jane Rosenthal, who has been a volunteer worker for a long period, was added to the division of junior Education. She has also been placed in charge of labels, catalogue material, and a number of other duties pertaining to the running of the Gallery itself." The report for 1939 mentions that she was also in charge of Sunday musical programs and conducted adult guide services.
The report for 1943 indicates that Miss Rosenthal was in charge of the "Atkins Auditorium Concert and Motion Picture Series" and that a Miss Beverly Templeton was being trained to replace her in the Department of Junior Education. Until 1953 she was listed variously under that general heading or such things as "Music and Film Programs." From 1953 to 1964 she was listed in the annual reports as the head of Programs and Public Relations. From 1965 to 1968 she was listed as Executive Secretary to the Friends of Art. She resigned from the Gallery in 1968.
Extent
0.3 Linear Feet (In 1 half letter document box and 1 flat box.)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection contains a scrapbook entitled "My Book: Gallery Activities and Associates" that was apparently kept by Jane Rosenthal, an educator at the Museum, between 1938 and 1968. The bulk of the materials are clippings and photographs about the activities of the William Rockhill Nelson Gallery of Art and Mary Atkins Museum of Fine Arts (later the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art) during World War II and the professional and personal experiences of its heavily female staff at that time, as well as letters and v-mail from Museum Director Paul Gardner during his military service in World War II.
Organization
Due to the size and nature of this collection, it has not been divided into series.
Immediate Source of Acquisition Note
Unknown.
Accruals Note
Additions to the collection are not anticipated.
Processing Note
For preservation reasons, letters have been removed from envelopes pasted into the scrapbook into folders; their original locations within the scrapbook are documented by folder labels and in situ notes.
- Title
- Finding Aid of the Jane Rosenthal Papers, MSS 006
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Archives Repository