Constance and Emily Keohan Papers
Finding aid created by Museum of Performance and Design, Performing Arts Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Museum of Performance and Design, Performing Arts Library
2022
2200 Jerrold Avenue
Suite T
San Francisco, California 94124
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Title: Constance and Emily Keohan Papers
Dates: 1888-1940s
Collection Number: 979.xx
Creator/Collector:
Keohan, Constance /
Keohan, Emily
Extent: 1 Box. 0.5 linear feet.
Repository:
Museum of Performance and Design, Performing Arts Library
San Francisco, California 94124
Abstract: Constance Keohan was a music teacher at Galileo High School, and her sister Emily was the head of the department of Home Economics
of the Sacramento School District. Constance became the first female conductor of the San Francisco Symphony. The Constance
and Emily Keohan Collection contains photographs and papers documenting both the family life and professional life of Constance
Keohan. The collection consists primarily of photographs of family, friends, and students as well as concert programs. There
are also correspondence, including a postcard to Reginald Keohan from Richard Nixon.
Language of Material: English
Entire Collection is open for research.
Reproduction of these materials can occur only if the copying falls within the provisions of the doctrine of fair use. Copyright
varies by item.
[Identification of item]. Constance and Emily Keohan Papers. Collection Number: 979.xx. Museum of Performance and Design,
Performing Arts Library
The principle body of the Constance and Emily Keohan papers were donated to MP+D by Mr. Arthur Thomson, 1979.
Biography/Administrative History
Constance Keohan was a music teacher at Galileo High School, and her sister Emily was the head of the department of Home Economics
of the Sacramento school district. Constance became the first female conductor of the San Francisco Symphony.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Constance and Emily Keohan Collection contains photographs and papers documenting both the family life and professional
life of Constance Keohan, music teacher at Galileo High School and the first woman to conduct the SF Symphony. The collection
consists primarily of photographs of family, friends, and students as well as concert programs. There is some reference to
her sister Emily, head of the Home Economics department of the Sacramento School District, and to her brother, Reginald. A
written postcard to Reginald and his wife from Richard Nixon may be of some interest. There is no information, however, regarding
Constance Keohan’s work with the SF Symphony. This collection provides a glimpse into the process of women breaking into what
has been traditionally considered a “male” profession, conducting.
Music teachers
Women conductors (Music)
Nixon, Richard M. (Richard Milhous), 1913-1994.
Galileo High School
Sacramento School District
San Francisco Symphony