Director's Office Records of Receptions, Events, and Lectures

Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute:

A Guide to the Director's Office Records of Receptions, Events, and Lectures, 1957-1989

Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute
225 South St. Williamstown, MA 01267

March 31, 2009

Arrangement of the Records

Scope and Contents of the Records

This record group contains the Director's Office records of receptions, lectures, parties, and other events held at the Clark Art Institute between 1957 and 1989. These files contain copies of invitations to the events; press releases and newspaper clippings about the events; menu planning and order forms from the catering companies; guest lists; responses from invitees; seating charts for the events; and other related material. The events range from small receptions with cookies and coffee to full dinner parties. The reasons for the events include celebration of the opening of new exhibitions, staff parties, guest lectures, Williams College graduations and reunions, and visits to the museum by celebrities and dignitaries. There was a recital by Rudolf Serkin in 1973 in honor of the opening of the museum's auditorium. Events were held for visitors such as King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, Prime Minister Pearson of Canada, Frank Capra, and Lady Bird Johnson. There are no records for 1981-1982 or 1958-1960.

History of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute

In 1950 Sterling and Francine Clark chartered the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute as a home for their extensive art collection. Opened to public in 1955, the Institute has built upon this extraordinary group of works to become one of the most beloved and respected art museums in the world, known for its intimate galleries and stunning natural environment. One of the few institutions in the United States that combines a public art museum with a complement of research and academic programs, including a major art history library, the Clark is now a leading international center for research and discussion on the nature of art and art history. Building upon the founders' legacy, the Institute has recently unveiled its master plan for the twenty-first century, which fosters the Clark's commitment to providing space for its expanding research and museum programs while maintaining the unique character of its beautiful rural setting.

Index Terms

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Restrictions

Restrictions on Access

This material is currently restricted.

Restrictions on Use

This material is currently restricted.

Administrative Information

Custodial History

These records were moved to Storage A sometime after 1989.

Preferred Citation

[Cite the item (as appropriate)], Director's Office Records of Receptions, Events, Lectures, 1957-1989, Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Records, Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts.

Acquisition Information

These records were acquisitioned from Storage A in April 2007.

Processing Information

Lacy Schutz, archivist, and Dani Ryan, archives assistant, processed these records in April 2007. Staples were removed and materials were re-housed in acid free folders and boxes.

Related Material

Related or similar material can be found in the following series in the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Records, Williamstown, Massachusetts: Ephemera from the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute; Press Releases from the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute; Public Relations Event Records; Photographs Separated from the Records of the Director's Office; Office of Public Relations Photograph Files; Director's Office Records of David Brooke, 1980-1994; Communications Public Relations Event Files, 1994-2004; and Office of Public Relations Records of Mary Jo Carpenter.