The Benton Mural Records, 1997-2002, contains records regarding the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s assistance in the conservation of the Benton Murals, primarily the murals housed on Indiana University’s campus. The Benton Murals are a series of murals created by Thomas Hart Benton, a regionalist American painter, muralist, and printmaker from the Great Depression. A large portion of the collection consists of the file folders of paper documents. While there is a Media series, photos are also located in other series where they are relevant. The collection is comprised of records produced and collected by staff, including Martin J. Radecki, director of conservation. Many of the records were originally housed in binders and were kept in their original order. Researchers will find information regarding conservation efforts of value.
Indianapolis Museum of ArtThe Boards and Committees Records, 1987-2009 contains records pertaining to the various boards, committees, and organizations that have served the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. The earlier records, prior to the name change in 1969, refer to the John Herron Art Institute. However, a large portion of the records in this collection were created after 1975. A majority of the records within this collection are agendas, minutes, and notes from various meetings. Other records include correspondence, reports, rosters, and plans. Most of the meeting records are arranged in chronological order. Early records created by the Art Association, beginning in 1897, may be of particular interest.
Art Association of Indianapolis, IndianaThe Bret Waller Papers, 1989-2000, document Waller's tenure as director of the Indianapolis Museum of Art during the 1990s. The collection is organized by subject; materials related to collections and exhibitions, and building operations (including strategic planning) make up the bulk of the collection. Also of note are the materials related to the Lila Wallace Reader's Digest Fund initiative that the museum received funding from to increase the diversity of its audience.
Waller, BretThe Conservation Records, 1970-2005, contains records regarding the conservation department of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. A large portion of the collection consists of file folders of paper documents and photographs related to conservation efforts involving both art and historical preservation. The collection is comprised of records produced and collected by staff, including Claire Hoevel and Martin J. Radecki. Many of the records were originally housed in binders. When transferred to folders, these records were kept in their original order. Researchers will find information regarding forgery investigations and the GSA Federal Courthouse Murals of value.
Indianapolis Museum of ArtThe Herron-Museum Alliance Records, 1964-1980, contains records regarding the Herron-Museum Alliance, post its creation in 1958. The collection is comprised of records produced and collected by staff. It documents the actions, initiatives, and operations of organization. The files that were originally foldered together but rehoused into new folders to assist in their preservation. Researchers will find information regarding publicity efforts and museum building plans of interest. More information regarding the Herron-Museum Alliance can be found within the IUPUI (Indiana-University-Purdue-University-Indianapolis) archives and specials collections.
Indianapolis Museum of Art at NewfieldsThe Lilly House Records, 1967-2005, contains records regarding the Lilly House, primarily since its donation to the Indianapolis Museum of Art in 1967. A large portion of the collection consists of the file folders of paper documents. While there is a Photos and Media series, photos are also located in other series where they are relevant. The collection is comprised of records produced and collected by staff. It documents the history of the Lilly House. Many of the files were originally in binders and were kept in their original order. Researchers will find information regarding the families who lived there, the architects, building/restoration documents of value. More information regarding the Lilly House, the families that have lived there, and the architects who constructed it, can be found in the Bradley Brooks Collection (HIS 002).
Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields