Scope and Content Note
Materials in the Helen Traubel Papers span from 1924 to 1972, the bulk of which dates from 1940 to 1960. The collection documents Traubel's career on stage and screen, and is divided into five series: Music, Scripts, Photographs, Biographical Materials, and Scrapbooks.
The Music in the Helen Traubel Papers is largely representative of her career outside the Metropolitan Opera and is divided into two subseries. The Orchestra Library consists of arrangements made for Traubel's recitals and nightclub engagements, many of which were arranged by jazz musician Milton "Shorty" Rogers (1924-1994). A majority of the scores and parts are complete and many have performance markings. The Annotated Scores are indicative of Traubel's varied interests in popular song, art song, and opera.
The Scripts represent nearly all of Traubel's appearances on film and television, as well as her one role on Broadway. The Photographs showcase Traubel's extensive career, including portraits of her leading roles as a Wagnerian soprano at the Metropolitan Opera, promotional photographs for film and television appearances, and documentation of performances and tours. There are also a number of editorial cartoons, chiefly commenting on her dispute with Metropolitan Opera manager Rudolph Bing. The Biographical Materials include clippings, programs and promotional materials, awards, and published writings. Notable highlights include correspondence from Margaret Truman, to whom Traubel gave voice lessons, and materials that document her participation in the inauguration of John F. Kennedy (1917-1963).