Vassar College Digital Library
Guide to the Nancy Willard Papers, approximately 1980-2010

Table of Contents

Collection Summary

Repository: Archives and Special Collections Library, Vassar College Libraries
Creator: Willard, Nancy
Title: Nancy Willard Papers
Dates: approximately 1980-2010
Quantity: 10 volumes, 1 box
Abstract: Manuscripts, ink drawings, and watercolors documenting the writing and teaching career of Nancy Willard.
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Biographical Note

Nancy Willard was a writer in several genres, best known for her poetry and childrens' books. Born in 1936 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Willard compeleted undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Michigan and Stanford University. In 1965 she took a position at Vassar College, where she taught courses in creative writing, folklore, and the art and history of tapestry. She retired from teaching in 2013. Over the course of her career, she published 70 books of poetry and fiction for adults and children, including A Visit to William Blake's Inn: Poems for Innocent and Experienced Travelers (1982), which was the first book to win both a Newbery Medal and Caldecott Honor. Nancy Willard died in 2017 in Poughkeepsie, New York.

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Scope and Content Note

This collection consists of drafts of poems and unpublished material pertaining to Nancy Willard's childrens book A Visit to William Blake's Inn: Poems for Innocent and Experienced Travelers, including artwork in water color and ink by illustrators Alice and Martin Provensen. Also included are manuscript books compiled by Willard in her courses, co-taught with Tina Kane, on the art and history of tapestry. These books contain both work by the students in the course and photographs taken by Willard during the class meetings. The books also feature unique covers designed by Willard.

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Access

The materials in this collection pertaining to A Visit to William Blake's Inn are open for research according to the regulations of the Vassar College Archives and Special Collections Library.

Portions of the the manuscript books may be restricted; please contact Special Collections staff for details.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to quote (publish) from unpublished or previously published material must be obtained as described in the regulations of the Vassar College Archives and Special Collections Library.

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Subject Headings

Names:

  • Blake, William, 1757-1827--Juvenile poetry
  • Kane, Tina
  • Provensen, Alice
  • Provensen, Martin

Organizations:

  • Vassar College--Faculty

Subjects:

  • Children's poetry, American
  • Women teachers
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Encoding Information

Encoded by Mark Seidl, May 2020

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Preferred Citation

Nancy Willard Papers, Archives and Special Collections Library, Vassar College Libraries.

Acquisition Information

Gift of Nancy Willard (M2016-006, 007).

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Container List

There is no container list currently available for this collection.

Details
Abstract

Manuscripts, ink drawings, and watercolors documenting the writing and teaching career of Nancy Willard.

Finding Aid Date
Dates: approximately 1980-2010
Collection Title
Nancy Willard Papers
Creator