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Howard Merritt papers

 Collection
Identifier: D.479

Biographical / Historical note

Born in 1915, Howard Merritt completed his undergraduate degree at Oberlin College and went on to earn a Masters of Fine Arts from Princeton University, after which he served in the army during WWII. Upon his discharge from active duty, Merritt returned to the United States to complete his PhD. Merritt then became a professor at the University of Rochester from 1946-1976. Merritt originally studied Renaissance paintings; however, he later developed expertise in the work of the 19th century painter Thomas Cole. As a result, Merritt wrote or co-authored a number of books including Thomas Cole (1969), Studies on Thomas Cole (1967), and The Genesee Country (1975).

Florence Merritt was born in 1915 and was employed at the University of Rochester as a lecturer. Florence and Howard had four children. After retiring from the University, the couple bought and sold antiques. During this period, they also donated several pieces to the Memorial Art Gallery, including Thomas Cole’s Genesee Scenery.

Scope and Contents

The majority of the collection includes the research, lecture notes, published articles and books for Howard Merritt, with a small portion of materials related to Florence. Merritt. Howard wrote and lectured extensively on 19th century painters such as Thomas Cole and Thomas Chambers. Much of Howard’s research and lecture notes focus on painting in early America and American landscape, however, his lectures also covered topics such as the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Baroque period. Florence’s research and lecture notes, though limited, focus on early America, specifically the American West. The collection also contains the couple’s correspondence exchanged among colleagues from 1963-1988.

Creator

Dates

  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1941-2004

Language of Materials

English

Extent

10 linear feet (10 manuscript boxes)

Access

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Use

The Howard Merritt Papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books, Special Collections and Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was made a gift of the Merrritt family in 2007.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Howard Merritt Papers, D.479, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Title
Howard Merritt papers
Status
Completed
Author
Kristina Fricker and Danielle Vander Horst
Date
undated
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Library Details

Part of the Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Library

Contact:
Rochester NY 14627-0055 USA