Contents


Collection Overview

Biographical Note

Scope and Contents of the Collection

Search Terms

Susan Elizabeth Lyman Papers, 1938-1976

Finding Aid

Encoding funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

© 2005

Collection Overview

Creator: Lyman, Susan Elizabeth
Title:Susan Elizabeth Lyman Papers
Dates:1938-1976
Abstract: Historian; Curator. Primarily research material and writings related to New York City history.
Extent: 2 boxes(1.5 linear ft.)
Language: English
Identification: MS 97

Biographical Note

Susan Lyman representing the Museum of the City of New York on a New York City television show, with host Walter Hurlihy, 1950

Susan Lyman was born in New York City November 18, 1905. She graduated from Smith College in 1929 and received a MA from Columbia University in 1933. She was curator of manuscripts at the Museum of the City of New York from 1939 to 1946 and member of the Educational Department of the museum from 1949 to 1959, developing the "Please Touch" room for children. She became a writer and authority on the history of New York City, publishing The Face of New York (1955); Here is New York; Young Folks New York (1960); and The Story of New York (1966). She also published Lady Historian: Martha J. Lamb in 1969. She was active for many years on behalf of Smith College, including chair and member of the Board of Counselors (1961-67), past president of the Pen and Brush and among the first women elders of Breck Presbyterian Church in New York City. She died in 1976 from injuries received in an automobile accident.

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Scope and Contents of the Collection

The Lyman papers consist primarily of material related to New York City history including her writings: New York: A Key To The City (1938); The Face Of New York (1954); and 100 New York Years. There is also a copy of Survey of Manuscript Collections in the New York Historical Society; compiled by S.E. Lyman (1941).

NOTE: The container list for this collection is available in the Sophia Smith Collection. Please contact us to request a copy.

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Search Terms

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