Manuscript Division Nellie Simmons Meier Papers

Nellie Simmons Meier Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS58693

Scope and Content Note

The papers of Nellie Simmons Meier span the years 1898-1938 and consist of autographed original hand prints and photographs of such notable individuals as Susan B. Anthony, Walt Disney, Amelia Earhart, Booker T. Washington, and other actors, artists, musicians, statesmen, and public figures, along with character sketches written by Meier based on her reading of their hands. As a palmist, Meier studied the shape of the hand and lines in the palm to read an individual's character, personality, and future. Meier assembled these records for her book, Lions' Paws: The Story of Famous Hands (1937).

Dates

Creation: 1898-1938

Language of Materials

Collection material in English

Access and Restrictions

The papers of Nellie Simmons Meier are open to research. Researchers are advised to contact the Manuscript Reading Room prior to visiting. Many collections are stored off-site and advance notice is needed to retrieve these items for research use.

Copyright Status

The status of copyright in the unpublished writings and photographs of Nellie Simmons Meier is governed by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S.C.).

Extent

500 items
3 containers
1.2 linear feet

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Additional Description

Abstract

Author and palmist. Autographed original palm prints, autographed photographs, and character sketches of 135 notable individuals that were assembled for Meier's book, Lions' Paws, the Story of Famous Hands.

Arrangement of the Papers

This collection is arranged alphabetically by name of individual.

Catalog Record

https://lccn.loc.gov/mm81058693

Acquisition Information

The papers of Nellie Simmons Meier, author and palmist, were given to the Library of Congress in 1938 by Nellie Simmons Meier and transferred to the Manuscript Division from the Rare Book and Special Collections Division in 1979.

Processing History

The papers of Nellie Simmons Meier were arranged and described in 1985 by David Mathisen. The collection was revised in 1997 by Nazera Sadiq Wright and Nan Thompson Ernst and the finding aid revised in 2007. The finding aid was updated in 2024 by Maria Farmer as part of a division-wide remediation project by the Inclusive Description Working Group.