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San Francisco Museum of Art Office of the Director Records 1966-1972
ARCH.ADM.005
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Title: San Francisco Museum of Art Office of the Director Records 1966-1972
Dates: 1966-1972
Collection Number: ARCH.ADM.005
Creator/Collector:
San Francisco Museum of Art
Extent: 13 linear feet (12 cartons)
Repository:
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
San Francisco, California 94103
Abstract: The San Francisco Museum of Art Office of the Director Records contain administrative records from the Museum generated primarily
between 1966 and 1972, corresponding with the tenure of its third director, Gerald Nordland. During these years, Nordland
focused largely on the Permanent Collection, with the first major cataloguing of the collection and an active increase in
acquisitions. From 1971-1972 the Museum underwent major renovations, including expansion to the third floor of the Veterans
Building and the construction of a conservation laboratory. Records document all aspects of the Museum’s administration, including
financial management and fundraising activities, incoming and outgoing correspondence, educational programs, the Museum’s
involvement with professional museum organizations, as well as the Director’s activities and relationships with artists and
other museum directors. Also included is a series of records generated by Controller Clifford Peterson from 1951-1970 which
complement the administrative records from the Office of the Director.
Language of Material: English
Collection is available for use. Some materials are restricted for confidentiality or condition.
For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the SFMOMA Archives.
[Identification of item], [box year and folder title], Office of the Director, 1966-1972, Administrative Records, San Francisco
Museum of Modern Art Archives.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Office of the Director Records, 1966-1972, consists of administrative records from the San Francisco Museum of Art (SFMA)
created during the tenure of the Museum’s third director Gerald Nordland. Materials include incoming and outgoing correspondence,
financial records, some blueprints and construction drawings, reports, and employment applications. Records document administrative
activities related to Museum operations and maintenance, educational programming, publicity, events, fundraising and membership,
and Nordland’s personal and professional activities.
Though the majority of records date from Nordland’s 1966-1972 tenure, a change in the Museum’s filing methods in 1963 and
1964 resulted in files whose contents extend back to the days of previous Director George Culler. Files where contents overlap
the directorial transition were retained with the Nordland records, reflecting the later records in the file. The actual date
range of records in the collection is 1951-1973.
The Office of the Director Records, 1966-1972 collection is divided into seven series: Gerald Nordland Papers; Museum Administration;
Correspondence; Education; Departments and Administrative Functions; External Organizations; and Clifford Peterson Papers.
Art—Conservation and restoration—California—San Francisco
Art appreciation—Study and teaching—California—San Francisco
Art appreciation—Study and teaching (Elementary)—Activity programs—California—San Francisco
Art, Modern--20th century—Exhibitions
Art museum curators
Art museum directors
Art museums and community—California—San Francisco
Art museums—Collection management—California—San Francisco
Art museums—Educational aspects
Art museums—Employees
Art museums—Exhibitions
Art museums—Public relations—California—San Francisco
Art rental and lending services—California—San Francisco
Nordland, Gerald
San Francisco Museum of Art
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
San Francisco Museum of Art—Archives
San Francisco Museum of Art—Board of Trustees
San Francisco Museum of Art—History—Sources
San Francisco Museum of Art—Records and correspondence
War Memorial Veterans Building (San Francisco, Calif.)