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Through our digital collections, Vassar College Libraries aim to provide access to high-quality digital content generated by the Libraries for research and study, as open as possible; support the teaching, learning, and research needs of the College; preserve at-risk or fragile physical collections through digitization, or at-risk born-digital collections through reformatting; expose hidden, less-used physical collections through access to digital surrogates; and foster experimental, cutting-edge, and innovative projects through technology. Learn More

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Wolven Glass Plate Negative Collection

Field hockey team portrait

95675-Service File.jpg
Date
1925-1926
Content Warning
The Vassar College Archives within the Digital Library include some images, texts, and material items that are racist, xenophobic, or otherwise harmful. The Vassar Libraries have provided descriptive text and additional notes whenever possible to alert Digital Library users to these items. The Engaged Pluralism Initiative Race and Racism in Historical Collections Project Group is working with the library on contextualizing and facilitating community conversations about these materials. For more information see: https://library.vassar.edu/rrhc
Description

Class of 1928 field hockey team

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Wolven Glass Plate Negative Collection

Field Hockey team portrait

95764-Service File.jpg
Date
1933-04-01
Content Warning
The Vassar College Archives within the Digital Library include some images, texts, and material items that are racist, xenophobic, or otherwise harmful. The Vassar Libraries have provided descriptive text and additional notes whenever possible to alert Digital Library users to these items. The Engaged Pluralism Initiative Race and Racism in Historical Collections Project Group is working with the library on contextualizing and facilitating community conversations about these materials. For more information see: https://library.vassar.edu/rrhc
Description

Class of 1936 Field Hockey Team

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Field, C. | oral history, June 30, 2015 (part 1)

Date
2015-06-30
Abstract

Field of study: neuroscience and behavior. Current occupation: Freshkills Park Manager for Science and Research Development, Freshkills Park, Staten Island, N.Y. Born and raised on Long Island, lived in San Francisco briefly after Vassar College, moved to Brooklyn. Keywords: LGBTQ; oral history

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Field, C. | oral history, June 30, 2015 (part 2)

Date
2015-06-30
Abstract

Field of study: neuroscience and behavior. Current occupation: Freshkills Park Manager for Science and Research Development, Freshkills Park, Staten Island, N.Y. Born and raised on Long Island, lived in San Francisco briefly after Vassar College, moved to Brooklyn. Keywords: LGBTQ;oral history

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Field, C. | oral history, June 30, 2015 (part 3)

Date
2015-06-30
Abstract

Field of study: neuroscience and behavior. Current occupation: Freshkills Park Manager for Science and Research Development, Freshkills Park, Staten Island, N.Y. Born and raised on Long Island, lived in San Francisco briefly after Vassar College, moved to Brooklyn. Keywords: LGBTQ;oral history

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Field, C. | oral history, June 30, 2015 (part 4)

Date
2015-06-30
Abstract

Field of study: neuroscience and behavior. Current occupation: Freshkills Park Manager for Science and Research Development, Freshkills Park, Staten Island, N.Y. Born and raised on Long Island, lived in San Francisco briefly after Vassar College, moved to Brooklyn. Keywords: LGBTQ;oral history

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Field, C. | oral history, June 30, 2015 (part 5)

Date
2015-06-30
Abstract

Field of study: neuroscience and behavior. Current occupation: Freshkills Park Manager for Science and Research Development, Freshkills Park, Staten Island, N.Y. Born and raised on Long Island, lived in San Francisco briefly after Vassar College, moved to Brooklyn. Keywords: LGBTQ;oral history

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Field, C. | oral history, June 30, 2015 (part 6)

Date
2015-06-30
Abstract

Field of study: neuroscience and behavior. Current occupation: Freshkills Park Manager for Science and Research Development, Freshkills Park, Staten Island, N.Y. Born and raised on Long Island, lived in San Francisco briefly after Vassar College, moved to Brooklyn. Keywords: LGBTQ;oral history

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Field, C. | oral history, June 30, 2015 (part 7)

Date
2015-06-30
Abstract

Field of study: neuroscience and behavior. Current occupation: Freshkills Park Manager for Science and Research Development, Freshkills Park, Staten Island, N.Y. Born and raised on Long Island, lived in San Francisco briefly after Vassar College, moved to Brooklyn. Keywords: LGBTQ;oral history

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Field, C. | oral history, June 30, 2015 (part 8)

Date
2015-06-30
Abstract

Field of study: neuroscience and behavior. Current occupation: Freshkills Park Manager for Science and Research Development, Freshkills Park, Staten Island, N.Y. Born and raised on Long Island, lived in San Francisco briefly after Vassar College, moved to Brooklyn. Keywords: LGBTQ;oral history

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Field, C. | oral history, June 30, 2015 (part 9)

Date
2015-06-30
Abstract

Field of study: neuroscience and behavior. Current occupation: Freshkills Park Manager for Science and Research Development, Freshkills Park, Staten Island, N.Y. Born and raised on Long Island, lived in San Francisco briefly after Vassar College, moved to Brooklyn. Keywords: LGBTQ;oral history

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Vassar College LGBTQ Oral History Project

Field, C. | Oral History: June 30, 2015

84610-Service File.jpg
Date
2015-06-30
Abstract

Field of study: neuroscience and behavior. Current occupation: Freshkills Park Manager for Science and Research Development. Born and raised on Long Island; lived in San Francisco briefly after Vassar; moved to Brooklyn. Keywords: LGBTQ; oral history; queer; Long Island; San Francisco; Colgate

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Field, Cait

84610-Service File.jpg
Date
June 30, 2015
Abstract

Picture of Cait Fields during interview.

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Jaspar Parrish Papers

Fielder Ridgeway | to Jasper Parrish, 1813 Oct 3

13214-Service File.jpg
Date
1813-10-03
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Finding Aid Collection

Guide to the Charlotte and Clara Barnum Papers, circa 1870-2001 (bulk 1877-1951)

Table of Contents

Collection Summary

Repository: Archives and Special Collections Library, Vassar College Libraries
Creator: Barnum, Charlotte Cynthia, 1860-1934
Creator: Barnum, Clara Louisa, 1866-1953
Title: Charlotte and Clara Barnum Papers
Inclusive Dates: circa 1870-2001
Bulk Dates: 1877-1951
Quantity: 1.1 cubic feet (4 boxes)
Abstract: The collection contains correspondence, ephemera, and photographs, mostly relating to Charlotte and Clara Barnum's education and continued association with Vassar College. Also included are materials related to Clarine Warner Curtis (VC 1888), a life-long friend and correspondent of Clara Barnum, whose daughter, Virginia H. Curtis Milburn Robertson (VC 1930), continued correspondence with Clara after Clarine's death in 1945.
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Biographical Note

Born to lexicographer Samuel Weed Barnum (1820-1891) and his wife, Charlotte Betts Barnum (1823-1899), Charlotte Cynthia Barnum (1860-1934) grew up in New Haven, Connecticut, and graduated from Vassar College in 1881. In 1895, she become one of the first three women to receive a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Yale University. She worked as an editor, an actuary, and a professor of astronomy and mathematics.

Clara Louisa Barnum (1866-1953) followed her older sister to Vassar and graduated in 1888. After leaving Vassar, she received her Master's in Education from Yale University and taught Latin at New Haven High School for 25 years. She assisted her father as a proofreader on the first edition of Noah Webster's dictionary, and later worked at the Yale University Library as a genealogist.

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Scope and Content Note

The collection contains correspondence, ephemera, and photographs, mostly relating to Charlotte and Clara Barnum's education and continued association with Vassar College. Also included are materials related to Clarine Warner Curtis (VC 1888), a life-long friend and correspondent of Clara Barnum, whose daughter, Virginia H. Curtis Milburn Robertson (VC 1930), continued correspondence with Clara after Clarine's death in 1945. Includes photographs and other material relating to the Vassar College Classes of 1881 and 1888. One letter describes Mark Twain's 1885 visit to the college.

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Access and Use

Access

This collection is open for research according to the regulations of the Vassar College Archives and Special Collections Library without any additional restrictions.

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:

  • Barnum, Charlotte Cynthia, 1860-1934
  • Barnum, Clara L., 1866-1953
  • Curtis, Clarine Warner, 1866-1945
  • Robertson, Virginia H. Curtis Milburn, 1908-

Organizations:

  • Vassar College--Students
  • Vassar College. Class of 1881
  • Vassar College. Class of 1888

Subjects:

  • Women mathematicians
  • Women's colleges--New York (State)--Poughkeepsie
  • Women--Education

Document Types:

  • Correspondence
  • Ephemera
  • Financial records
  • Photographs

VCL Categories:

  • Family
  • Vassar College
  • Women's History
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Encoding Information

Encoded by Laura Streett and Elizabeth Clarke, November 2006. Updated February 2009. Updated by Emma Gronbeck, June 2023.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Charlotte and Clara Barnum Papers, Archives and Special Collections Library, Vassar College Libraries.

Processing Information

Processed by Laura Streett, April 2005. Additions processed and integrated by Emma Gronbeck, June 2023.

Acquisition Information

Gift of Charlotte Barnum (granddaughter of Samuel Horace Barnum, Clara and Charlotte's brother), 2005-2021. [M2005-007, M2009-002, M2016-009, M2019-030, M2020-002, M2021-005]

Other Formats

An electronic version of the correspondence transcripts is available. See the Archives and Special Collections staff for more details.

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Container List

Correspondence
1.01 Barnum, Charlotte C. to family, 1879-1889 [originals and transcripts]
1.02 Barnum, Clara L. to family and friends, 1884-1885 [originals]
1.03 Barnum, Clara L. to family and friends, 1886 [originals]
1.04 Barnum, Clara L. to family and friends, 1887 [originals]
1.05 Barnum, Clara L. to family and friends, 1888 [originals]
1.06 Barnum, Clara L. to family and friends, 1884-1888 [transcripts]
1.07 Barnum, Clara L. to others, 1913, 1945
1.08 Barnum, Clara L. to the VC Class of 1888, 1936
1.09 To Barnum, Clara L. from others, 1940-1946
1.10 Curtis, Clarine Warner to Clara L. Barnum, 1880-1886
1.11 Curtis, Clarine Warner to Clara L. Barnum, 1889-1909
1.12 Curtis, Clarine Warner to Clara L. Barnum, 1930-1939, undated
1.13 Curtis, Clarine Warner to others, 1936-1945
1.14 To Curtis, Clarine Warner from others, 1945-1948
1.15 Raymond, John H. to Samuel W. Barnum, 1876-1877
1.16 Robertson, Virginia H. Curtis to Clara L. Barnum, 1939-1952
1.17 Robertson, Virginia H. Curtis to Harriette P. Marsh, 1947
Personal Papers and Ephemera
1.18 Barnum, Charlotte C. - Biographical information, 2001, undated
1.19 Barnum, Charlotte C. - Letter of recommendation from Maria Mitchell, 1883 Jul 4
1.20 Barnum, Charlotte C. - Letters of recommendation, certification, and appointment, 1883-1923
1.21 Barnum, Charlotte C. - Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association membership certificate, 1902
1.22 Barnum, Charlotte C. - U.S. Civil Service Commission exam scores, 1899-1918
1.23 Barnum, Charlotte C. - Vassar College ephemera, circa 1878-1881
1.24 Barnum, Charlotte C. - Vassar College receipts and invoices, 1877-1880
1.25 Barnum, Clara L. - Biographical information, 2001
1.26 Barnum, Clara L. - Vassar College badge, Class of 1888, undated
2.01 Barnum, Clara L. - Vassar College ephemera, 1884-1899
4.01 Barnum, Clara L. - Vassar College ephemera, 1884-1887
2.02 Barnum, Clara L. - Vassar College tuition receipts and invoices, 1884-1887
2.03 Belmont School ephemera, circa 1940
2.04 Clippings, 1919, 1934
2.05 Curtis, Clarine Warner - Biographical information, undated
2.06 Curtis, Clarine Warner - Obituary, 1945 Jul 29
2.07 Curtis, Virginia Hubbard - Obituary, 1918
2.08 Vassar College ephemera, undated
Photographs
2.09 Barnum, Charlotte C., 1881-1891
2.10 Barnum, Charlotte C., 1902-1917
2.11 Barnum, Charlotte C., undated
2.12 Barnum, Clara L., circa 1870-1896
2.13 Barnum, Clara L., 1951, undated
2.14 Barnum, Clara L. and the Vassar College Class of 1888, 1922-1938
2.15 Curtis, Clarine Warner, 1913-1935, undated
2.16 Curtis, Clarine Warner and Virginia H. Curtis, 1910-1912
2.17 Curtis, Virginia Hubbard (1831-1918), 1925, undated
2.18 Milburn, Elizabeth and Joseph (Virginia Robertson's children), 1935-1943
2.19 Robertson, Virginia H. Curtis Milburn and family, 1908-1942
2.20 Vassar College campus, circa 1880-1890
4.02 Vassar College Class of 1888, 1888
2.21-2.22 Vassar College faculty, circa 1881-1888
3.01-3.02 Vassar College students, 1880-1895
3.03 Vassar College students (unidentified), circa 1880-1888
3.04 Warner family, 1923, undated
3.05 Unidentified students (The Notman Photographic Co., Albany, NY), circa 1880-1888

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Details
Abstract

The collection contains
correspondence, ephemera, and photographs, mostly relating to Charlotte and Clara
Barnum's education and continued association with Vassar College. Also included are
materials related to Clarine Warner Curtis (VC 1888), a life-long friend and
correspondent of Clara Barnum, whose daughter, Virginia H. Curtis Milburn Robertson
(VC 1930), continued correspondence with Clara after Clarine's death in
1945.

Member of
Finding Aid Collection
Finding Aid Date
Inclusive Dates: circa
1870-2001
Document Types
Correspondence
Ephemera
Financial records
Photographs
Names
Barnum, Charlotte Cynthia, 1860-1934
Barnum, Clara L., 1866-1953
Curtis, Clarine Warner, 1866-1945
Robertson, Virginia H. Curtis Milburn, 1908-
Subject (Topical)
Women--Education
Women mathematicians
Women's colleges--New York (State)--Poughkeepsie
Family
Vassar College
Women's History
Organization
Vassar College. Class of 1881
Vassar College. Class of 1888
Vassar College--Students
Collection Title
Charlotte and Clara Barnum
Papers
Creator
Barnum, Charlotte Cynthia, 1860-1934
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Vassar Scholarship

Finding Feminism: The Ideologies of Hip-Hop from Black Women in Spaces of Higher Education

Publication Date
2014-January-01
Document Type
Senior Capstone Projects
Authors
Dickens, Tiarra
Department or Program
Sociology Department
Document Type
Senior Capstone Project
Access Level
Vassar Only
Abstract

Hip-hop is the most affluent subset of Black Culture today. The globalization and mass appeal of hip-hop has made this genre bigger than music; it's style, it's dance, it's art, and even literature. Hip-Hop music is a genre that is...

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Vassar College Student Letters

Finley, Charlotte (Deming) — to Cousin, Thanksgiving 1886

76709-Service File.jpg
Date
25 Nov 1886
Content Warning
The Vassar College Archives within the Digital Library include some images, texts, and material items that are racist, xenophobic, or otherwise harmful. The Vassar Libraries have provided descriptive text and additional notes whenever possible to alert Digital Library users to these items. The Engaged Pluralism Initiative Race and Racism in Historical Collections Project Group is working with the library on contextualizing and facilitating community conversations about these materials. For more information see: https://library.vassar.edu/rrhc
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