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The 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.

The 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.

The 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).

The Maxwell Anderson papers, 2000-2010, contain records regarding the Indianapolis Museum of Art after Anderson officially took over as director from Anthony Hirschel. The collection contains records primarily sourced from the director’s office and documents the administrative actions of the institution from the director level. The collection is organized by subject, but the individual files are in original order with no further arrangement. Due to Anderson’s involvement with the surrounding community, researchers will find information regarding Crown Hill of value. Not all records fall within Anderson’s time as director. The collection contains records regarding Lawrence O’Conner who served as interim director between Hirschel and Anderson. There are also copies, references, or continuations of projects started by past directors that were used by Anderson.

The Robert A. Yassin Papers, 1963-1991, undated, contains records regarding the Indianapolis Museum of Art after Yassin took over as director from Carl Weinhardt. The collection contains records primarily sourced from the director’s office and documents the administrative actions of the institution from the director level. The collection is organized by subject, but the individual files are in original order with no further arrangement. Due to Yassin’s involvement with other organizations, researchers will find correspondence of value. Not all records fall within Yassin’s time as director. The records from before 1975 are copies, references, or continuations of projects started by past directors that were used or continued by Yassin. The records from after 1990 refer to what would have been at the time, future endeavors, predictions, plans, and aspirations that were started or conducted under or by Yassin.

The Trustee Records, 1944-2007, contains records regarding the trustees of 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 majority of the records in this collection were created after 1975. Records within this collection include correspondence, memorandums, gift agreements, deeds, and obituaries. The arrangement is alphabetical by last name. There are multiple types of trustees represented in these records, including but not limited to, life, testamentary life, sustaining life, at large, elected, honorary, and representative trustees. Note that many of the women listed were originally listed under their husbands’ names and the documents will reflect this. Research was conducted and the names were changed within the finding aid to ensure that the female trustees received credit for their contributions.

The Wilbur David Peat Papers, 1924-1972, undated, contains records regarding the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields while under the directorship of Wilbur Peat after he took over as director from acting director Anna Hasselman. The collection contains records primarily sourced from the director’s office. It documents the administrative actions of the institution from the director level. Note that administration reorganization has taken place since these records were created. Many of the earlier papers in this collection were not originally housed in the director’s office due to the administrative setup of the institution at the time.
It is important to note that this collection extends past both Wilbur Peats's life and his final year as director in 1966. Isabel Martin, executive assistant to the director, started in 1967 and continued/finished many of the projects started under director Peat. Martin also compiled and added context to these files prior to their addition to the archives.
The series are organized by subject, but the individual files are in original order with no further arrangement. Due to Peat’s involvement with education and community, researchers will find information regarding correspondence and education of value.

The William Henry Fox Papers, 1884-1940, undated, contains records regarding the John Herron Art Institute while under the directorship of Fox after he took over from the unofficial first director of the museum, Anna Turrell. The collection contains records such as correspondence, financial reports, and acquisition data primarily sourced from the director’s office. It documents the early administrative actions of the institution. Note that administration reorganization has taken place since these records were created. Some current directorial responsibilities were being handled by various boards and can be found within the Boards and Committees Records collection (ADV 003). The collection is organized by subject, but the individual files are in original order with no further arrangement. The bulk of dates fall between 1902 and 1912. Researchers will find information regarding early correspondence and history of value.