Description
The Seymour Fromer papers document the life and work of the founding director of the Judah L. Magnes Museum in Berkeley, CA
(now the Magnes Collection of
Jewish Art and Life). A large portion of the collection is dedicated to Fromer's directorship of the Magnes, including the Western
Jewish History Center and the Commission for the Preservation of Pioneer
Jewish Cemeteries and Landmarks, and includes correspondence and working files for its various exhibits and programs, as well as
financial and administrative records. Also documented is Fromer’s involvement with various
Jewish agencies and organizations, such as the Agency for
Jewish Education, the American Association for
Jewish Education (including performances organized by its Festival of Faith and Freedom Committee), the
Jewish Education Council, B’nai B’rith, the
Jewish Federation of the Greater East Bay, and various other societies and institutions. The collection also contains Fromer’s
personal files and correspondence.
Background
Seymour Fromer was the founding director of the Judah L. Magnes Museum in Berkeley, CA. Born in the Bronx, NY, on October
3, 1922, he attended Brooklyn College and Columbia University and worked as a school administrator in New Jersey until moving
to Los Angeles in the 1950s. In Los Angeles, he worked with the American Association for
Jewish Education to present the Darius Milhaud opera “David” at the Hollywood Bowl. He later moved to Oakland, CA, where he was
a founding director of the
Jewish Education Council of Alameda and Contra Costa counties and helped form the Commission for the Preservation of Pioneer
Jewish Cemeteries and Landmarks, which was responsible for the preservation of seven gold- rush era
Jewish cemeteries.
Extent
16.5 Linear Feet
13 cartons, 1 box, 1 oversize folder
Restrictions
Materials in this collection may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction
of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions,
privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright
beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility
for any use rests exclusively with the user.
Availability
Collection is open for research, with exception of unprocessed digital material.