Records of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, 1843-1979. 14 manuscript boxes and 3 record cartons (10 cu. ft.)
Accession Numbers 1985.073 and 2005.054
The Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences is a multidimensional cultural education institution located in the heart of Brooklyn, N.Y. near Prospect Park. It started as a library in 1823, but grew to include museums, botanical gardens, and artistic education programs, most of which were added between the years 1890 and 1911. In the face of financial restraints brought on by the Depression, the Institute began narrowing its focus, and the different branches became more and more independent. Some, such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music, are now independently operated.
The Records of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences contain publications, correspondence, and financial records. The publications, both hard and softbound, make up roughly 85% of the collection and include programs and exhibition catalogs. The collection is organized by four different divisions, which are based on the different thematic functions of the Brooklyn Institute, including General Administration, Education, Museums, and Botanic Gardens.