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Archives Holdings
Manuscript Collections
The MFAH Archives holdings include more than forty manuscript collections from private individuals or organizations. These collections serve to document the museum's history and complement its holdings. Examples of the manuscript collections are:
The Edith A. and Percy S. Straus Collection Papers chronicle the development of the New York art connoisseurs' renowned collection of European art dating from the thirteenth to nineteenth centuries. The Strauss Collection, consisting of more than eighty paintings, sculptures and works on paper, was bequeathed to the MFAH in 1944. The Straus papers date from 1917 and include photographs, invoices, and correspondence with art historians, critics, and dealers including Max Friedlander, Bernard Berenson, Roberto Longhi, and Adolfo Venturi. Two bound volumes that catalogue the Straus' collection are included in the papers. The Edith A. and Percy S. Strauss Collection Papers consist of .75 linear feet of records and two bound volumes. MS15
The Ima Hogg Papers primarily document the evolution of Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens from its construction in 1927 as a private residence to its transformation into the MFAH's renowned American Decorative Arts house museum in 1966. The papers include correspondence with antique dealers, collectors, and contractors, as well as financial documents. The papers also include records pertaining to the renovation of the Winedale, Varner-Hogg, and Quitman properties. A substantial portion of the papers pertains to Ima Hogg's civic activities with the Houston School Board, Houston Symphony, and Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. Other noteworthy materials in the Ima Hogg Papers include a sketchbook done by a youthful Miss Hogg, a family letterbook, a scrapbook, and travel itineraries. Photographs include those of the Hogg family and Bayou Bend house and gardens, as well as other properties and friends. The Ima Hogg Papers consist of 9.75 linear feet of records. MS21
The "Songs of My People" Archive of New African Vision chronicles the international photography exhibition, publication, and video of the same name. The Archive, received from New African Visions Director, D. Michael Cheers, consists primarily of photographic material documenting the project that, in 1990, dispatched fifty photographers to chronicle the African American experience throughout the United States. Among the photographers were Pulitzer prize winners Ozier Muhammad, John H. White, Keith Williams and Matthew Lewis. All images from the publication and exhibitions are included, as well as extensive photography created in the course of the project. The Archive also includes exhibition files consisting of clippings, press releases, and itineraries, as well as Director's records and video footage of interviews and events. The "Songs of My People" Archive consists of 15.75 linear feet of records. MS31
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