The Peter H. Adams collection of musical instrument catalogs consists primarily of musical instrument catalogs and materials related to musical instruments. The catalogs are arranged alphabetically, A-Z, by company, and the Lyon & Healy Company is the most represented company. There are also catalogs of musical instrument dealers also organized alphabetically. A subcollection of pamphlets owned and/or written by Helen R. Hollis, a curator at the Smithsonian Institution, is also included. Other materials in the collection include musical instrument methods and tutors, catalogs of music, published and unpublished papers and articles on musical instruments, correspondence with Peter Adams, periodical issues on musical instruments, miscellaneous documents and a card game about opera.

3.75 Linear Feet 8 manuscript boxes and 1 flat box

While Special Collections is the owner of the physical items, permission to examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.

Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use. Audiovisual & born-digital materials are not available in original format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.