Main content

George M. Cheston Records

Notifications

Held at: Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives [Contact Us]Philadelphia Museum of Art, PO Box 7646, Philadelphia, PA 19101-7646

This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.

Overview and metadata sections

George M. Cheston was President of the Corporation from 1968 to 1977, a very active period for the Museum. During his presidency were installed the Student Center, a new restaurant, and new air-conditioning facilities. In addition, preparations for the Museum's Centennial took place. Financial problems were crucial during this time.

Much of Cheston's records are committee reports and minutes, both standing and departmental committees. Records of all the Museum's committees during Cheston's administration are in his files. Also included is an extensive series of subject files revealing the range of the president's responsibilities: from flag poles to insurance to exhibitions.

These materials were arranged and described by Merle Chamberlain and Louise F. Rossmassler in 1987. Finding aid revised 2007. Funded by a grant from The Gladys Kriebel Delmas Foundation.

Publisher
Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives
Finding Aid Author
Finding aid prepared by Merle Chamberlain and Louise F. Rossmassler (12/31/87). Revised 2007.
Finding Aid Date
©2007
Sponsor
Funded by a grant from The Gladys Kriebel Delmas Foundation
Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research, with the exception of parts of the "Additional miscellaneous records" series.

Use Restrictions

The George M. Cheston Records are the physical property of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Archives. The Museum holds literary rights only for material created by Museum personnel or given to the Museum with such rights specifically assigned. For all other material, literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. Researchers are responsible for obtaining permission from rights holders for publication and for other purposes where stated.

Collection Inventory

Corporate files, 1964-1977. 3 linear feet.
Scope and Content Note

Minutes, reports and correspondence of Cheston's corporate affairs, including committees: Building, 1965-1975; Centennial, 1972-1975; Development, 1973-1974; Executive, 1968-1976; Finance and Administration, 1968-1974; Fleisher Art Memorial, 1968-1974; Investment, 1969-1975; Nominating, 1969-1974; Planning and Development, 1968-1975; Rodin Museum, 1964-1976; and Urban Outreach, 1971-1976. Also contains President's Reports to the Board, 1971-1975. Arranged chronologically by committee.

Physical Description

3 linear feet

Departmental files, 1968-1977. 1.5 linear feet.
Scope and Content Note

Reports, minutes and correspondence of the curatorial departments and committes, including: American Art Committe and Department, 1969-1976; Arms and Armor, 1976-1977; Costume and Textiles Committee, 1969-1972, Department, 1969-1976; Decorative Arts Committee, 1969-1977, Department, 1968-1977; Education Committee, 1968-1973, Division, 1969-1977; Far Eastern Art Committee, 1969-1977, Department, 1969-1974; Indian Art Department, n.d.; Library, 1970-1977, Committee, 1973-1974; Painting and Sculpture Committee, 1969-1972, Department, 1968-1972; Prints, Drawings and Photographs Committee, 1969-1977, Department, 1970-1974; Public Relations Committee, 1969-1973; Twentieth Century Art Committee, 1972-1975, Department, 1973-1977.

Physical Description

1.5 linear feet

Service divisions and related groups, 1962-1977. .5 linear feet.
Scope and Content Note

Reports, correspondence, and memos with the service divisions and auxiliaries of the Museum. Includes several folders of correspondence with the Women's Committee and the Friends of the Museum. Arranged chronologically by department.

Physical Description

.5 linear feet

Subjects, 1963-1977. 5.5 linear feet.
Scope and Content Note

Arranged alphabetically by subject. Includes non-PMA topics, related institutions, policy statements, forms, lists, events, exhibitions, press releases, personnel data, agendas, tax information, etc. Container listing available.

Physical Description

5.5 linear feet

Correspondence, 1966-1971. .5 linear feet.
Scope and Content Note

Additional correspondence with Director Turner, the Assistant to the President, the Mayor, and general correspondence is arranged chronologically. General correspondence is arranged alphabetically within years.

Physical Description

.5 linear feet

Special records, 1965-1976. 2 linear feet.
Scope and Content Note

A series accessioned after the rest of the CHE Records, probably maintained by President Wood's office to facilitate the transition of officers. Contains records of major gifts, development, projects, confidential correspondence. Arranged alphabetically within years.

Physical Description

2 linear feet

Unprocessed records, 1965-1977. 8 linear feet.
Scope and Content Note

Most recent accessions of unsorted correspondence, development reports, Board of Trustees Minutes and committee reports. Contains some confidential development reports and correspondence regarding gifts, as well as much regular correspondence.

Physical Description

8 linear feet

Print, Suggest