Marian Anderson Papers
, 1953-1959
1 box (.25 linear ft.)
Collection number: MS 433
Collection number: MS 433
Terms of Access and Use:
The papers are open to research according to the regulations of the Sophia Smith Collection.
This collection has not been fully processed and therefore may be difficult to use.
Copyright to unpublished materials may be owned by the creator, or their heirs or assigns. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights. Permission to publish reproductions or quotations beyond "fair use" must also be obtained from the Sophia Smith Collection as owners of the physical property.
Marian Anderson was born in Philadelphia in 1897 and began singing in school and church. She received classical training after high school, and by the age of 21 she was giving concerts. She studied and performed in Europe from 1929-35, and went to the Soviet Union in 1936. In 1943 Anderson married Orpheus H. Fisher. In the 1950s she traveled and performed in the East Asia and South America. She made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1955 and was the first African American singer to perform there. In 1957 she traveled throughout Asia as a U.S. Goodwill Ambassador and in 1958 she was appointed to the American delegation to the United Nations. She retired in 1965. Anderson received and honorary degree from Smith College in 1944. Her autobiography, My Lord What a Morning was published in 1956.
This small collection of Marian Anderson's papers includes biographical writings, clippings, memorabilia, a photograph, and professional correspondence which document her wide range of interests and contributions to world peace and understanding.
NOTE: The container list for this collection is available in the Sophia Smith Collection. Please contact us to request a copy.
The papers are open to research according to the regulations of the Sophia Smith Collection.
This collection has not been fully processed and therefore may be difficult to use.
Copyright to unpublished materials may be owned by the creator, or their heirs or assigns. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights. Permission to publish reproductions or quotations beyond "fair use" must also be obtained from the Sophia Smith Collection as owners of the physical property.
Please use the following format when citing materials from this collection:
Marian Anderson Papers, Sophia Smith Collection, Smith College, Northampton, Mass.