Marguerite Hood Papers

Umbrella Collection name: Music Educators National Conference Historical Center 

Individual Collection name: Marguerite Hood Papers

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

Type: Published and non-published writings, programs, personal and professional letters and correspondence, photographs, and an oral history.

Collection dates: 1924-1970

Extent: 1.5 linear feet

Description: Published and non-published writings, programs, personal and professional letters and correspondence, committee reports and project papers, curriculum materials, photographs, and an oral history.

Statement of provenance: Gift of papers received from Marguerite V. Hood on various occasions between 1972 and 1978 in addition to a taped interview given in September, 1980.

Governing documents: Acknowledgement letter dated August 31, 1972 with accession deposit data sheet (72-20-MENC); letter dated July 14, 1975 with accession deposit log (75-8-MENC); correspondence dated January 28, 1976 and September 11, 1975; acknowledgement letter dated September 14, 1977 with accession deposit data sheet (77-17-MENC); deposit data sheet (77-30-MENC); acknowledgement letter dated August 10, 1978 with deposit data sheet (78-7-MENC); letter to confirm oral history appointment dated September 23, 1980; acknowledgement letter dated August 11, 1982 with deposit data sheet and deposit log (82-26-MENC).

Finding Aid: An unpublished finding aid by Stephanie Keller (October 2001) is available in the repository.

SCPA shelf location: Collections Room, MENC aisle J

Biography: Marguerite V. Hood was among the most prominent and influential music educators in the twentieth century. She was a leading figure in music education nationally and internationally and was a dedicated teacher throughout her career. Hood held various MENC positions including president of the North Central Division of the MENC and chairman of the editorial board of the Music Educators Journal. She then became president of the MENC for the 1950-52 biennium resigning to serve as chairman of the MENC commission on accreditation. During that time she continued her active leadership role and began her long association with ISME, attending the first meeting in Brussels and every meeting thereafter in Warsaw. In addition to her various leadership roles, Hood was a dominant force in establishing the Journal of Research in Music Education, the recipient of many honors, and author and contributing editor to several children's music textbooks.

Life Chronology:

Series Arrangement:

Series I: Letters
Series II: Professional Correspondence
Series III: MENC Committee Papers
Series IV: Writings
Series V: Publications
Series VI: Curriculum Materials
Series VII: Photographs
Series VIII: Oral History

Series Description:

Series I: Letters
Series I includes letters and correspondence which span the years 1930 through 1967. It is divided into five subseries including miscellaneous letters to MVH regarding music education and her involvement as MENC president, the Music Vocations Survey. Also included is correspondence regarding a proposed research journal, and letters and correspondence with past MENC presidents and executive officers including Karl Gehrkens and Otto Meissner.

Series II: Professional Correspondence
Series II is a collection of memoranda that were distributed by MENC executives regarding MENC projects and committees. Many of the memos are from MVH during her MENC presidency and her later involvement as MENC chairman. They span the years 1932 through 1967.

Series III: MENC Committee Papers
Series III is a selection of unpublished MENC committee reports and leaflets which span the years 1944 through 1953. It is divided into three series: the Music in American Education Committee, MENC Research Council Information, and other MENC committee report and project materials.

Series IV: Writings
Series IV is a collection of six unpublished research papers written by MVH during her professional career and involvement with MENC. Their topics cover a range of subject matter regarding music education and span the dates 1936 through 1976.

Series V: Publications
Series V includes published materials collected by MVH including reports, addresses, brochures, programs, calendars and other materials relevant to MENC, the National Bureau for the Advancement of Music, and the National Education Association. Also included is a list of publications by MVH cataloged and available in the open stacks. Their dates span 1927 through 1970.

Series VI: Curriculum Materials
Series VI is a collection of published music curriculum materials collected by MVH which span the dates 1924 through 1937.

Series VII: Photographs 
Series VII is a collection of personal and professional photographs featuring MVH throughout her career as music educator and MENC president and chairman. Many were taken during her presidency and include other MENC officials.

Series VIII: Oral History 
Series VIII includes two cassette tapes and a transcript documenting Marguerite Hood’s interview with Bruce D. Wilson. The interview took place on September 27, 1980 and covers various topics of Marguerite’s long-term association with MENC including the years of her presidency as well as before and after.

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.