Pettersen, Eleanore Architectural Collection Eleanore Pettersen Architectural Collection, 1915-2003 (bulk 1950-2000) Ms.2003.018

Eleanore Pettersen Architectural Collection, 1915-2003 (bulk 1950-2000) Ms.2003.018


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Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu

Sherrie A. Bowser

Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Identification
Ms.2003.018
Title
Eleanore Pettersen Architectural Collection, 1915-2003 1950-2000
Quantity
296 Cubic Feet, 219 boxes; 7 map cases
Physical Characteristics
Some of the materials in the collection were matted for inclusion in "Glass Ceilings: Highlights from the IAWA Center" an exhibit held at the Virginia Center for Architecture, Richmond, VA, 2010.
Language
The materials in the collection are in English.
Abstract
Eleanore K. Pettersen (1916-2003) received a Certificate in Architecture from Cooper Union for Advancement of Science and Art in 1941, and was an apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin from 1941-1943. She was one of the first women licensed as an architect in the state of New Jersey in 1950, and was the first woman in New Jersey to open her own architectural office. She primarily designed residences and was also very active in professional and civic organizations. She became a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) in 1991. The collection consists of project files, sketches, blueprints, drawings, models, photographs, and other material relating to over 600 of Pettersen's projects as well as material relating to her participation in various professional and civic organizations. The materials in the collection range in date from 1915-2003 with the bulk of the material dating 1950-2000.

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials. Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open to research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Eleanore Pettersen Architectural Collection, Ms2003-018, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Eleanore Pettersen Architectural Collection was donated to Special Collections in September 2003. Additions were received in April 2010 and August 2011.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement and description of the Eleanore Pettersen Architectural Collection commenced in February, 2009 and was completed in February, 2010. Preliminary processing was untaken by Amy Vilelle in 2007.


Biographical Note

Ageless Perceptions IV: Senior Women in Architecture 1991 will be my fortieth year as an architectural principal with my own office. Architecture has been a total commitment. If I were to make a choice all over again, the choice would be the same. Architecture has imbued me with a sense of self worth and has given me the privilege of contributing a new sense of life and meaning to my clients and their families. Ageless Perceptions IV – Senior Women in Architecture Eleanore Pettersen, FAIA/Four Decades Taliesin Legacy: The Independent Work of Frank Lloyd Wright Apprentices

Scope and Contents

Pettersen's collection encompasses over fifty years of architectural practice including project files, sketches, drawings, blueprints, models, slides and photographs representing approximately 600 designs. The collection also contains Pettersen's personal papers including biographical information, family papers, and photographs. The materials range in date from 1915-2003 (bulk 1950-2000) and are divided into five series: Personal Papers, Professional Papers, Office Records, Project Records, and Artifacts and Models. See the contents list below for more detail about the individual series.

Arrangement

The Eleanore Pettersen Architecture Collection is divided into five series: Personal Papers, Professional Papers, Office Records, Project Records, and Art, Artifacts, Models. The series are arranged alphabetically by subject except for the Project Records. They are arranged in a project index alphabetically by client's name.

Related Material

The ImageBase at Virginia Tech's Special Collections contains digital images of Pettersen's work.

Subjects and Indexing Terms


Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Eleanore Pettersen Architectural Collection by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).

Container List

SERIES I: Personal Papers,
1918-2003
Scope and Contents note

The Personal Papers series contains Pettersen's family papers, biographical information, and personal correspondence (1963-1999). The series also contains a subseries of photographs and slides.

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SERIES II: Professional Papers,
1915-2002, bulk 1950-2000
Scope and Contents note

The Professional Papers series consists of material relating to Pettersen's participation in various professional and civic organizations, material (collected by Pettersen) documenting Frank Lloyd Wright and Taliesin, various awards received by Pettersen, correspondence, and general reference files.

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SERIES III: Office Records,
1946-2003
Scope and Contents note

The Office Records series consists of materials relating to the day to day operations of a private architectural practice including financial materials, exhibit materials, publicity, clippings and scrapbooks featuring Pettersen and her practice, and photographs.

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SERIES IV: Project Records,
1946-2002
Scope and Contents note

The Project Records series consists of files, specifications, drawings, and other material relating to over 650 design and construction projects carried by Pettersen with her consecutive firms Eleanore Pettersen Associates and Design Collaborative.

Arrangement note: The Project Index is a way to organize the various formats of architectural records from the same project. The project index is organized alphabetically by client's last name and then by project number. Researchers should note that several distinct projects share project numbers.

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SERIES V: Artifacts, and Models
Scope and Contents note

The Artifacts, Models series contains memorabilia, material samples, and models associated with Pettersen and her practice as well as Design Collaborative.

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SERIES VI: Additional Donations,
1991-2003; 2010
Acquisition Information

Records donated at a later date than the original collection and from a source other than the primary donor.

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