Josephine Baker papers
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HOW TO REQUEST
Scope and Content Note
The Josephine Baker papers consist of approximately 1,200 letters, four press books, news clippings, sheet music, a collection of material related to Les Milandes (the home in the south of France that she established for children adopted from throughout the world), and 13 original posters drawn by hand for her and for her village of Milandes. There are approximately 80 letters with her second husband, Jo Bouillon, and correspondence with lawyers and friends concerning her separation from the orchestra leader. The collection also includes correspondence with a variety of personalities; an artist's file containing agreements with theatre and television directors; fan mail, including many letters from those seeking funds, and thirteen original hand-drawn posters. These materials were found in the home at Les Milandes that she was forced to abandon in 1967.
Dates
- 1938-1968
Language of Materials
Materials in English and French.
Restrictions on Access
Unrestricted access.
Terms Governing Use and Reproduction
All requests subject to limitations noted in departmental policies on reproduction.
Biographical Note
Josephine Baker (1906-1975), African American performer, dancer, and silent film star. Born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis, she performed in Paris, New York, Africa, and the Middle East, and was a crusader for racial equality.
Extent
2 linear feet (4 boxes); 3 oversized papers folders (OP); 4 oversized bound volumes (OBV)
Abstract
Papers of African American entertainer Josephine Baker, including correspondence, fan mail, press books, sheet music, newspaper clippings, and thirteen original hand-drawn posters.
Arrangement Note
Arranged by record type.
Custodial History
Purchased from dealer, provenance unknown.
Source
Purchased from Marcel Joly, 2003. Additions were purchased from David Schulson Autographs in 2011.
Appraisal Note
Acquired by Curator of African American Collections, Randall Burkett, as part of the Rose Library's holdings in African American culture and history.
General
File name: baker955.doc
Processing
Susan Potts McDonald, August 2013.
File name: baker955.doc
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- African American women entertainers. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Harlem Renaissance. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Title
- Josephine Baker papers, 1931-1968
- Author
- Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, Emory University
- Date
- November 19, 2007
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- English
Revision Statements
- January 8, 2015: Finding aid revised to include enhanced metadata tagging.
Repository Details
Part of the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library Repository