Starting in 1955, the Archives of American Art began documenting Philadelphia related art material for the Philadelphia Arts Documentation Project. This project involved working with numerous institutions and estates across the city to preserve material related to Philadelphia artists and organizations. “[The archives] contains not only the papers of painters, sculptors, craftsmen, collectors and dealers, but also those of historians, curators, critics, museums, societies, and institutions- the persons and places that have had to do with art in America” (Art-Related Archival Materials in the Phila. Region 1984-89 Survey). 

The Art Department, along with the Rare Book Department, Theatre Collection, and Print and Picture Department of the Free Library of Philadelphia, all lent material to be filmed for the Philadelphia Project. All of the microfilm related to the Philadelphia Project is held in the Newspaper and Microfilm Department, located on the 2nd floor of the Parkway Central Library. Join us on Thursday, November 13th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the Newspaper and Microfilm Department to look at some of the original material that was lent to the project as well as the chance to view the microfilm. Other related items will be on display as well. 

Contact the Art Department for questions about the Philadelphia Arts Documentation Project at ArtDepartment@freelibrary.org or by calling 215-686-5402.