Matthews (Miriam) Photograph Collection, 1955-1964

Collection context

Summary

Title:
Miriam Matthews Photograph collection
Dates:
1955-1964
Creators:
Matthews, Miriam
Abstract:
The Miriam Matthews Photographic Collection consists of 121 photographic prints collected by Miriam Matthews largely related to African American history in California. Roughly half of the collection is photographs of notable African American politicians taken by photographer Harry A. Adams in Southern California between 1955-1964. The remaining photographs are reproductions of images held by other institutions.
Extent:
25 linear feet (1 box)
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English
Preferred citation:

Miriam Matthews Photograph collection, MS 19, African American Museum and Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library. Oakland, California.

Background

Scope and content:

The Miriam Matthews Photographic Collection consists of 121 photographic prints collected by Miriam Matthews largely related to African American history in California. Roughly half of the collection is photographs of notable African American politicians taken by photographer Harry A. Adams in Southern California between 1955-1964. The remaining photographs are reproductions of images held by other institutions.

Biographical / historical:

Born in 1905 in Pensacola, Florida to Reuben Hearde and Fannie (Elijah) Matthews, Miriam Matthews (1905-2003) was the Los Angeles Public Library's first professional African American librarian and an important early collector of African American art and history. Matthews earned degrees in librarianship from the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Chicago and served as a branch and regional library manager for the Los Angeles Public Library for 33 years between 1927-1960. She was active in professional and civic organizations and received numerous awards for her contributions to African American history.

Arrangement:

Series I. Photographs

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Sean Heyliger
Date Prepared:
© 2013
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid created by Sean Heyliger. Machine-readable finding aid derived from MS Word. Date of source: March 14, 2013.

Access and use

Restrictions:

No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.

Materials are for use in-library only, non-circulating.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish from the Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection must be obtained from the African American Museum and Library at Oakland.

Preferred citation:

Miriam Matthews Photograph collection, MS 19, African American Museum and Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library. Oakland, California.

Location of this collection:
659 14th Street
Oakland, CA 94612, US
Contact:
(510) 637-0198