Contents


Collection Overview

Historical Note

Scope and Contents of the Collection

Organization of the Collection

Search Terms

Series 1: PHOTOGRAPH ALBUMS, 1986-2010.

Series 2: MISCELLANEOUS, n.d.

Charles Drew House "Family Albums," 1986-2010

Finding aid prepared by Peter A. Nelson.

Encoding funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

© 2003

Collection Overview

Creator: Charles Drew House
Title: Charles Drew House Family Albums
Dates: 1986-2010
Abstract: The Charles Drew Memorial Cultural House is an Amherst College residential theme house founded (1984) to celebrate the achievements of black people and to explore the cultures of Africa and the Diaspora at large. Collection includes photographs and miscellaneous material documenting the members of Drew House and House special events from 1986-2010.
Extent: 1 records storage box(1 linear ft.)
Language: English.

Historical Note

The Charles Drew Memorial Cultural House, located at 56 College Street (formerly the Phi Alpha Psi fraternity house), is an Amherst College residential theme house that was founded in 1984. It was named in honor of Charles R. Drew (AC 1926). Dr. Drew was an outstanding surgeon who discovered the chemical method for preserving blood, and later became the director of the first American Blood Bank. Dr. Drew suffered an untimely death in 1950 as the result of a car accident. The constitution of Charles Drew House describes its mission as follows: "to sponsor events that will celebrate the achievements of black people such as Charles Drew and to explore the cultures of Africa and the Diaspora at large. This house was founded as a space where members of the Amherst community can engage in intellectual debate, social activities, artistic expression, and all other endeavors that highlight Africa and the Diaspora and the accomplishments of its diverse peoples."

The albums began as a house project undertaken in 1985 by Crystal Jean (AC 1989). She compiled a book of Amherst College students (not just those living in Drew House), and the house threw parties at which students signed pictures and placed them in the albums. Pictures from Drew House-sponsored events were also added. The work of maintaining and further organizing the albums was continued by Kelly Robinson (AC 1991) and Anita Graham (AC 1995). The albums were donated to the Archives & Special Collections in 1991.

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Scope and Contents of the Collection

The collection includes four photograph albums, one binder and miscellaneous material documenting the members of Drew House and House special events from 1986-2010.

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Search Terms

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Organization of the Collection

This collection is organized into two series:

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Series 1: PHOTOGRAPH ALBUMS, 1986-2010.

Series 1: PHOTOGRAPH ALBUMS contains photos of members of Drew House and special events held at the house from 1986-2010.


Box

Folder

1 1
An autographed binder from the House members. Ca. 1987

2
Photographs of 1987 and 1990 "Harlem Renaissance"; Gospel Choir in New York City (1987); the 1989 Kwanzaa Celebration; and the 1990 South African Benefit 1987- 1991

3
Includes photographs of 1988 Black Alumni Weekend; Sonya Clark's "The Adornment of African Peoples" (Oct. 28, 1988); 1988 Art Opening; and 1987 House couples. 1987-1990

4
Photographs of the 1987 Commencement 1986-1987

5
Includes pictures of 1986 Spring Weekend; 1986 and 1987 Casinos; 1987 Drew House Dedication; 1987 Luau Spring; 1987 Gospel Choir Concert; 1987 Black Women's Dinner; 1987 Kuumba; 1987 and 1989 Soul's Release; and 1986, 1987 and 1988 Kwanzaa Celebrations. 1985-1989

5a
Drew House album for 2009-2010 2009-2010

Series 2: MISCELLANEOUS, n.d.

Series 2: MISCELLANEOUS contains invitations to the AC 1989 Senior Dessert and miscellaneous photographs from negatives.


Box

Folder

1 6
Invitation to the Class of 1989 Senior Dessert. 1988

7
Miscellaneous photographs from negatives. Negatives in separate collection. n.d.