Collection IDMG 1615

Size0.25 linear feet (1 box)

Collection Description Alice Ward Walker (1907-1989) was a music teacher in the Newark public schools from 1929 until her retirement. Born in New York City, Walker was a graduate of Erasmus Hall High School (1924), Wellesley College (B.A., 1928) and Teachers College of Columbia University (M.A., 1929). Upon retiring Walker moved to Darien, Connecticut, where she continued the genealogical work of her father, Claude Walker, regarding the family's history. Alice Walker was a charter member of the Darien Historical Society, the Stamford Genealogical Society and SAI (Sigma Alpha Iota) music sorority.

Collection Contents The Alice Ward Walker Papers include school records, programs, one photograph, posters, and newspaper and magazine clippings. School-related material includes a class schedule, information on equivalency credits for advanced standing on the salary schedule, memos, and a cv and obituary of Walker. The programs are for performances that Walker attended (some in new York City) and performances by her students; they include a souvenir program for the New York revival of "Porgy and Bess," (originally presented at the Maplewood Theatre), a souvenir program for the 100th anniversary of Barringer High School (1938), Mosque Theatre concert programs (1940s), All-State High School Orchestra programs (1940s-1960s), Newark Alumni Chorus programs (1948 and 1949), a Federal Symphony Orchestra (WPA) program (1938), and several programs for student performances at Bragaw Avenue School (where Walker taught and directed the Glee Club), 1937-1939. The lone photograph in the collection is a cast photo of a Bragaw Avenue School student production of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mikado" (1937). The posters, most of which are music-related, include mounted clippings from newspapers and magazines and most likely were used in Walker's classroom.

FormatsPhotographic materials; Textual materials

SubjectsEducation; Music; Women's History

Time Period20th Century

LanguageEnglish

Access policyOpen for research

ProcessedYes

Finding AidYes