Elizabeth V. Beach Collection

Umbrella Collection name: Music Educators National Conference Historical Center 

Individual Collection name: Elizabeth V. Beach Collection 

Repository name: Special Collections in Performing Arts, Performing Arts Library, University of Maryland 

Type: Papers: Correspondence, writings, administrative and instructional materials, photographs, clippings, travel guides; Publications, realia, and sound recordings.

Collection dates: 1929-1951 

Extent: 1.5 linear feet 

Description: Letters regarding festivals and music supervision in Syracuse, published and unpublished papers, Christmas Carol Festival materials, administrative materials, photographs, clippings, instructional materials on music, travel guides and presentation batons. 

Statement of provenance: Gift of papers and materials donated by Edward B. Sackett, nephew of Elizabeth Beach, was received via agent Charles Gary on July 10, 1981, November 11, 1983, January 19, 1993 and Aril 26, 1995. 

Governing documents: Accession data sheet and log (82-2-MENC) with acknowledgement letter dated July 15, 1981; accession log (84-45-MENC); accession record (93-63-MENC); accession record (95-62-MENC) with acknowledgement letter dated April 27, 1995

Finding Aid: An unpublished finding aid by Vin Novara (March 1996) revised by Stephanie Keller (October 2001) is available in the repository. 

SCPA shelf location: Collections Room, MENC aisle J, Column 8, Shelf 4, Box 1; Lowens Room; Paged Collections Room 

Biography: As a pioneer member of the Eastern Conference, Elizabeth Beach was a valued participant in MENC activities for many years. Beach went to Syracuse, New York as assistant supervisor of music and later became supervisor, the position she held until her retirement. While teaching music in the Syracuse public schools, she spent many summers as a tour guide in Europe. Later she founded and directed the annual Christmas Carol Festival. In Syracuse she was president of the professional Women's League and a member of various organizations including Friends of Reading, Current Events Club, New York State Historical Association, Morning Musicals, League of Women Voters, and Corinthian Club. 

Life Chronology:

Series Arrangement:

Series I: Letters
Series II: Writings
Series III: Carol Festival Materials
Series IV: Administrative Materials
Series V: Photographs
Series VI: Clippings
Series VII: Instructional Materials
Series VIII: Travel Guides
Series IX: Realia 

Series Descriptions: 

Series I: Letters 
Series I contains typed and handwritten letters, telegrams, and postcards received by Beach regarding the Christmas Carol Festival that she organized in 1931. Also included are letters she received regarding music supervision in Syracuse. Their dates span the years 1932 through 1939. 

Series II: Writings 
Series II is a collection of manuscript papers of articles and speeches written by Beach from 1931 to1943. Their topics cover various matters in music and music education. 

Series III: Christmas Carol Festival Materials 
Series III contains programs from the Christmas Carol Festivals which span the years 1931 through 1942. Also included are press releases promoting the festivals.

Series IV: Administrative Materials 
Series IV contains materials regarding Beach's career as an administrator of music in Syracuse public schools. Their dates span the years 1928 through 1931. 

Series V: Photographs 
This series includes photographs of Beach conducting and the students of the Christmas Carol Festival. Also included is one photograph of Hollis Dann, director of music education at New York University and president of Music Supervisors National Conference. The dates of the photographs are unknown.

Series VI: Clippings 
This series includes news clippings regarding various points in Beach's life and career and span the years 1929 through 1951.

Series VII: Instructional Materials 
Series VII contains instructional materials regarding music, including the Essex Publishing Co. catalog and a musical score titled "Songs from Childhood".

Series VIII: Travel Guides
Series VIII consists of materials regarding Beach's career as a tour guide in Europe. These materials include brochures and pamphlets. Their dates span the years 1923 through 1939.

Series IX: Realia
This series includes three presentation batons given to Beach.

Materials from this collection must be used in the Performing Arts Library's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Special Collections Room, 10 to 5, Monday through Friday. Please make an appointment with the curator.

Or for a specific question about the collection feel free to ask the curator.