Dorothea Dix Lawrence Collection
Scope and Content Note
The Dorothea Dix Lawrence Collection consists of the correspondence, photographs, clippings, and writings of this noted operatic singer, recitalist, lecturer, and folklorist. The collection also includes piano-vocal opera scores and a large number of American folk songs.
Dates
- Creation: 1856-1980
- Creation: Majority of material found within ( 1902-1980)
Language of Materials
Collection material in English.
Access and Restrictions
The Dorothea Dix Lawrence Collection is open to research. Researchers are advised to contact the Music Division prior to visiting in order to determine whether the desired materials will be available at that time.
Certain restrictions to use or copying of materials may apply.
Copyright Status
Materials from the Dorothea Dix Lawrence Collection are governed by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S.C.) and other applicable international copyright laws.
Biographical Sketch
Biographical Sketch
- 1899, Sept. 22
- Born in New York City
- 1929
- Made opera debuts: Montreal, Quebec City, Canada
- 1932
- Appeared as Aida with Philadelphia Opera Company, San Carlo Opera Company
- Made concert debuts: Studebaker Theatre, Chicago; Jordan Hall, Boston
- Produced, directed and performed in weekly radio show Twilight Hour , Trenton, New Jersey
- 1939
- Appeared in the opening concert of the New York World's Fair
- Created Primer of American Music for WPEN Philadelphia (27 weekly broadcasts) sponsored by the Board of Education, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- 1946
- Published Folklore Music Map of the United States
- Produced, directed and starred in Folklore Musicana , an 8-week series on radio station WNYC, New York City
- 1949
- Collaborated with Gloria Swanson in the television production Design for Living on WPIX-TV, New York City
- 1955, Oct. 28
- Final concert, Fullerton Hall, Chicago
- 1959
- Published with Walter L. Rosemont Folklore Songs of the United States . Plainfield, N.J.: D.D. Lawrence Folklore Society
- 1970
- Retired from public life
- 1979, May 23
- Died in Plainfield, New Jersey
Extent
350 items
4 containers
2 linear feet
Abstract
Dorothea Dix Lawrence was a successful opera singer in the 1930s and 1940s who later became a recitalist and folklorist. The materials in the collection include correspondence, photographs, clippings and other items that document her career as a singer and interpreter of American folk music. In addition, the collection includes her articles on American folklore that were published in various journals, and two copies of her famous Folklore Music Map of the United States. The collection also includes piano-vocal opera scores and a large number of American folk songs.
Organization of the Dorothea Dix Lawrence Collection
The Dorothea Dix Lawrence Collection is organized into two series:
Catalog Record
Provenance
Gift; Morgan Lawrence, the son of Dorothea Dix Lawrence; 1980.
Accruals
No further accruals are expected.
Transfers
A taped interview with Morgan Lawrence, the son of Dorothea Dix Lawrence, was conducted on July 1, 1980, by Jon Newson, assistant chief of the Library of Congress Music Division. The tape had been sealed until July 1, 2005. It was transferred to the Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division where it is identified as the Dorothea Dix Lawrence Collection (MAVIS no. 14048) and is now accessible to the public.
Processing History
The Dorothea Dix Lawrence Collection was processed by Jonathan Kulp in August 1993. It was coded for EAD by George Kipper in 2010. George Kipper added about 120 items to the collection at the end of 2012.
Source
- Lawrence, Dorothea Dix, 1899-1979 (Creator, Person)
Subject
- Lawrence, Dorothea Dix, 1899-1979--Archives. (Person)
- Lawrence, Dorothea Dix, 1899-1979. (Person)
- Lawrence, Dorothea Dix, 1899-1979. (Person)
- Title
- Guides to Special Collections in the Music Division of the Library of Congress
- Author
- Processed by the Music Division of the Library of Congress
- Date
- 2010
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Part of the Music Division Repository
Performing Arts Reading Room
101 Independence Ave, SE
James Madison Building, LM 113
Washington, DC 20540-4810
(202) 707-5507