Administrative Records

The collection of materials was artificially brought together from materials gathered by Harold T. Clark, the buildings and grounds department, the director’s office, and possibly other departments as well. The records mainly focus on the building process itself, including specifications, construction reports, change orders, and certificates for payment. The correspondence details the hiring of the architect and contractor and the process of designing the new building and altering portions of the 1916 building. The correspondence also contains numerous proposals from subcontractors and billing information. Beyond the building process the records include information about fundraising efforts and the new wing’s dedication. Photographs provide a pictorial history of the construction process, through photographs taken by the contractor and by the museum. They also document the ground-breaking ceremony, cornerstone laying, and the dedication.