The Joel E. and Amy E. Spingarn Photograph Collection provides a limited view of Joel and Amy Spingarn's life. The collection contains several portraits of Joel and Amy, a postcard of Troutbeck and Dunham Brook, Amenia, N.Y. (probably Joel and Amy's home), and one portrait of Sammy Davis Jr. autographed to Amy.
Biographical/historical: Joel E. and Amy E. Spingarn were philanthropists, humanitarians, and patrons of the arts. Joel was born in New York City and received an A.B. and a Ph.D. degree from Columbia University. He also studied at Harvard and taught at Columbia University (1911-1926). As an author, Joel was recognized for his poetry, literary criticisms, and editorial talent.
Content: One portrait of Joel has "self portrait" written on the verso.
Biographical/historical: Spingarn fought for equal rights alongside W.E.B. Dubois and many other people of his day. He was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (N.A.A.C.P.), and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors from (1913-1919), Treasurer (1919-1930), and President in 1930.
Physical Description
Extent: 7 items (1 folder) 6 photographic prints : silver gelatin, b ; 21 x 26 cm. and smaller. 1 postal card : b ; 8 x 11 cm.
