American Handel Society Archives
Abstract
The American Handel Society seeks to foster study of the life, works, and times of George Frideric Handel, and to encourage and support the performance of his music. The Society was founded in 1986 by University of Maryland music professors Howard Serwer and Paul Traver, with Princeton music professor J. Merrill Knapp. The American Handel Society Archives span the years of 1981-2006, with the bulk of the material dating from 1985-1994. The collection includes member information, financial reports, Board of Directors meeting minutes, newsletters, correspondence, grant applications, and information relating to the Maryland Handel Festival. Also included are the notes and files for the Bibliographic Database and Discography projects, including printouts of both databases.
Important Information for Users of the Collection
There are no restricted files in this collection.
American Handel Society Archives, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.
Materials from this collection must be used in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Special Collections Room, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Contact the curator for an appointment: http://www.lib.umd.edu/scpa/contact
This collection is PROCESSED.
Historical Note
The American Handel Society was founded in 1986 by Howard Serwer, Paul Traver, and J. Merrill Knapp. Its mission is to foster the study of the life, works, and times of George Frideric Handel, and to encourage and support the performance of his music. To this end, the Society sponsors a biennial conference featuring papers and panel discussions by international scholars and performers, presents the Howard Serwer Lecture, nominates two members to the Editorial Board of the Hallische Händel-Ausgabe, and offers the J. Merrill Knapp Research Fellowship for advanced graduate students and scholars in the early stages of their careers to support work in Handel studies or related fields. The Society publishes a newsletter three times a year. Major projects of the Society include compiling databases of all recorded Handel music and of all published bibliographic materials pertaining to Handel.
Scope and Contents of the Collection
The American Handel Society Archives contains materials relating to the founding, history, and undertakings of the American Handel Society. The collection ranges in date from 1981 to 2006 with the bulk of the materials falling between 1985 and 1994. Materials include member information, financial reports, Board of Directors meeting minutes, newsletters, correspondence, grant applications, and information relating to the Maryland Handel Festival and the Bibliographic Database and Discography projects.
Custodial History and Acquisition Information
Received in five accessions between November 1998 and July 2009 from University of Maryland professors Dr. Howard Serwer and Dr. Richard King. Future accessions are anticipated.
Processing Information
Lisa Rodio, April 2011.
EAD markup created using EAD database in Microsoft Access. Markup completed by Cassandra N. Berman, October 2011.
Arrangement of Collection
This collection is organized into four series.
Detailed Description of the Collection
Series 1: Administrative, 1984-1997 and undated (1.75 linear feet)
This series contains materials relating to the administrative business of the Society. Materials include correspondence, bylaws, meeting agendas and minutes, bank statements, budgets, membership records, brochures, and diskettes. They have been divided into six subseries. Materials are arranged chronologically within subseries.
Subseries 1.1: Administrative Documents, 1985-1994 (5 folders)
This subseries contains the founding and administrative documents of the American Handel Society. Materials include correspondence and bylaws. Diskettes belonging in this series are stored at the end of the collection in Box 6.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHS Newsletter, 1985-1986 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| AHS Bylaws, 1985-1992 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Postal Service Zip Conv., 1991 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| [AHS Conference Preparations], 1991-1994 and undated | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| AHS Backup Diskettes ([These are stored at the end of the collection in Box 6 due to size and shape.]), 1988 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
Subseries 1.2: Board of Directors, 1985-1996 and undated (0.25 linear feet)
This subseries contains personnel lists of the Board of Directors as well as meeting minutes and agendas.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHS Board of Directors - Member List, 1989-1994 and undated | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Board of Directors - Acceptance Letters, 1985 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| AHS - Board [Mailings], 1985-1996 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| AHS Meetings - Agendas, 1986-1995 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| Agendas, 1985-1994 and undated | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 10 | |
| AHS Meetings - Minutes, 1986 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 11 | |
| Minutes, 1987 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 12 | |
| Minutes, 1988 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 13 | |
| Minutes, 1989 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 14 | |
| Minutes, 1990 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 15 | |
| Minutes, 1991 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 16 | |
| Minutes, 1992 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 17 | |
| Minutes, 1993 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 18 | |
| Minutes, 1994 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 19 | |
| Minutes, 1995 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 20 | |
| Minutes, 1996 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 21 | |
Subseries 1.3: Financial Records, 1985-1996 (0.25 linear feet)
This subseries contains AHS financial reports, bank statements, and budgets.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finances, 1985-1989 and undated | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 22 | |
| Financial Reports - Operating Statement, 1985-1994 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 23 | |
| Paid Bills [1 of 2], 1985-1996 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 24 | |
| Paid Bills [2 of 2], 1988-1995 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 25 | |
| AHS Financial Reports - Proposed Operating Budget, 1986-1987 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 26 | |
| Edelberg Gift, 1986-1993 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 27 | |
| [Financial Correspondence], 1986-1994 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 28 | |
| [AHS Statement and Budget], 1986-1988 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 29 | |
| Fin. Rec. AHS, 1986-1993 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 30 | |
| Bank of Bethesda, 1986-1988 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 31 | |
| Bank c/ Hanson ([Membership/Dues Correspondence]), 1986-1991 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 32 | |
| Bank Statements - First Fidel (Hanson) [1 of 2], 1987-1991 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 33 | |
| Bank Statements - First Fidel (Hanson) [2 of 2], 1992-1995 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 34 | |
| IRS 501(c)(3), 1988-1988 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 35 | |
| Bank - Barclays, 1990-1991 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 36 | |
| Bank - Nat. West [National Westminster Bank], 1991-1992 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 37 | |
| Bank - Citizens, 1994-1995 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 38 | |
| Deposits, 1994-1996 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 39 | |
Subseries 1.4: Membership Records, 1984-1996 and undated (9 folders)
This subseries contains AHS membership lists and other information regarding membership.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mailing Lists/Directories, 1984-1987 and undated | series 1.4 | box 1 | folder 40 | |
| AHS Member List, 1985 | series 1.4 | box 1 | folder 41 | |
| Member List, 1986 | series 1.4 | box 1 | folder 42 | |
| Member List, 1987-1996 | series 1.4 | box 1 | folder 43 | |
| Member List, 1994 | series 1.4 | box 1 | folder 44 | |
| Member List, 1995-1996 | series 1.4 | box 1 | folder 45 | |
| Member List, 1996 | series 1.4 | box 1 | folder 46 | |
| Membership Information - German Democratic Republic, 1987-1989 | series 1.4 | box 1 | folder 47 | |
| Membership Correspondence - Secretary/Treasurer Serwer, 1992-1994 | series 1.4 | box 1 | folder 48 | |
Subseries 1.5: Publicity, 1985-1988 and undated (3 folders)
This subseries contains information regarding book deals and brochures.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brochure, 1985-1986 and undated | series 1.5 | box 1 | folder 49 | |
| Publicity, 1986-1988 | series 1.5 | box 1 | folder 50 | |
| Book Deals, 1986-1987 | series 1.5 | box 1 | folder 51 | |
Subseries 1.6: Correspondence, 1985-1997 (3 folders)
This subseries contains general AHS correspondence. Correspondence directly related to subjects such as the AHS Newsletter or Membership Records are housed within those specific subseries.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Correspondence [1 of 3], 1986-1990 | series 1.6 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| Correspondence [2 of 3], 1985-1990 | series 1.6 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| Correspondence, [3 of 3], 1987-1997 | series 1.6 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| [Handel News], 1986 | series 1.6 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
Series 2: Projects, 1981-1998 and undated (1.5 linear feet)
This series contains research, applications, correspondence, databases, and financial information concerning different projects of the American Handel Society. Materials have been organized into four subseries according to topic. Materials are arranged chronologically within subseries.
Subseries 2.1: Handel Bibliography, 1982-1989 and undated (6 folders)
This subseries contains lists of publications, research, correspondence, and databases pertaining to the creation of a bibliography of materials on George Frideric Handel.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bibliography and Search Resources, 1982-1989 and undated | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| MARC Format, 1984 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
| Recent Research, 1985-1986 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| American Handel Society Bibliographic Data Base, 1985-1989 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
| Bibliography - New Publications, 1986-1988 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 9 | |
| [Bibliographic Information], 1988 and undated | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 10 | |
Subseries 2.2: Discography Database, 1981-1989 and undated (1 linear foot)
This subseries contains materials relating to the creation of a database of Handel recordings.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lists of Recordings, 1981-1987 and undated | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 11 | |
| [Printout of Database], 1983 | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 12 | |
| Rigler-Deutsch Backup [1 of 2], 1983 | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 13 | |
| Rigler-Deutsch Backup [2 of 2], 1983 | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 14 | |
| ARSC Info., 1984-1987 | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 15 | |
| Discography Samples/Bibliog., 1984-1988 and undated | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 16 | |
| Record Label - Issue - Numbering Info., 1984 and undated | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 17 | |
| [Handel Discography Entry and Retrieval System User's Manual], 1986 | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 18 | |
| Discography, 1986-1987 | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 19 | |
| Publication, 1986-1987 | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 20 | |
| R.D. Listing [Rigler-Deutsch], 1987 | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 21 | |
| Pilot Project Working File, 1987 | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 22 | |
| NEH Application, 1987 | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 23 | |
| R-D Funding, 987-1989 | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 24 | |
| Log of RD Project, undated | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 25 | |
| WERM/GRAM, undated | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 26 | |
Subseries 2.3: AHS Fellowship, 1989-1998 (7 folders)
This subseries contains applications, correspondence, and papers concerning the J. Merrill Knapp Research Fellowship.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHS Fellowship, 1989 | series 2.3 | box 2 | folder 27 | |
| AHS Fellowship 1990, 1990-1991 | series 2.3 | box 2 | folder 28 | |
| AHS Fellowship, 1992 | series 2.3 | box 2 | folder 29 | |
| AHS Fellowship, 1993 | series 2.3 | box 2 | folder 30 | |
| AHS Fellowship, 1995 | series 2.3 | box 2 | folder 31 | |
| AHS Fellowship, 1996 | series 2.3 | box 2 | folder 32 | |
| AHS Fellowship, 1998 | series 2.3 | box 2 | folder 33 | |
Subseries 2.4: Other Projects, 1988 and undated (2 folders)
This subseries contains applications, correspondence, and research pertaining to other projects undertaken by the Society.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performing Materials, 1988 and undated | series 2.4 | box 2 | folder 34 | |
| Research Projects, undated | series 2.4 | box 2 | folder 35 | |
Series 3: Events, 1981-2001 (0.5 linear feet)
This series contains programs, brochures, correspondence, fliers, and other advertisement for festivals, conferences, and performances of Handel's music. Materials have been divided into two subseries.
Subseries 3.1: Maryland Handel Festival, 1981-2001 (0.5 linear feet)
This subseries contains correspondence, agendas, and program booklets regarding the annual Maryland Handel Festival.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland Handel Festival, 1985 | series 3.1 | box 2 | folder 36 | |
| Maryland Handel Festival, 1989 | series 3.1 | box 2 | folder 37 | |
| Maryland Handel Festival, 1991 | series 3.1 | box 2 | folder 38 | |
| Maryland Handel Festival, 1992 | series 3.1 | box 2 | folder 39 | |
| Maryland Handel Festival, 1994 | series 3.1 | box 2 | folder 40 | |
| Maryland Handel Festival Programs [1 of 4], 1981-1984 | series 3.1 | box 2 | folder 41 | |
| Maryland Handel Festival Programs [2 of 4], 1985-1988 | series 3.1 | box 3 | folder 1 | |
| Maryland Handel Festival Programs [3 of 4], 1989-1994 | series 3.1 | box 3 | folder 2 | |
| Maryland Handel Festival Programs [4 of 4], 1996-2001 | series 3.1 | box 3 | folder 3 | |
Subseries 3.2: Performances, 1985-1989 (3 folders)
This subseries contains correspondence, programs, and advertisements relating to performances of Handel's music.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performances File [1 of 3], 1986-1989 | series 3.2 | box 3 | folder 4 | |
| Performances File [2 of 3], 1985-1987 | series 3.2 | box 3 | folder 5 | |
| Performances File [3 of 3], 1985-1989 | series 3.2 | box 3 | folder 6 | |
Subseries 3.3: Handel Tercentenary Commemoration - Rome, 1986 (1 folder)
This subseries contains a speech and newspaper and magazine articles concerning the Handel Commemoration at the Palazzo Bonelli-Valentini in Rome on April 2, 1986.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Handel Commemoration, Palazzo Bonelli-Valentini, Rome], 1986 | series 3.3 | box 3 | folder 7 | |
Series 4: American Handel Society Newsletters, 1985-2011 (0.75 linear feet)
This subseries contains correspondence and research pertaining to the Newsletter of the American Handel Society. It also contains copies of the Newsletter from Volume 1 to Volume 26.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHS Newsletter [1 of 2], 1985-1990 and undated | series 4 | box 4 | folder 1 | |
| AHS Newsletter [2 of 2], 1985-1996 and undated | series 4 | box 4 | folder 2 | |
| Newsletter, 1985-1988 | series 4 | box 4 | folder 3 | |
| Newsletter - contents BACK, 1985-1988 and undated | series 4 | box 4 | folder 4 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 1, 1986 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 1 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 2, 1987 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 2 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 3, 1988 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 3 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 4, 1989 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 4 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 5, 1990 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 5 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 6, 1991 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 6 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 7, 1992 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 7 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 8, 1993 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 8 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 9, 1994 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 9 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 10, 1995 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 10 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 11, 1996 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 11 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 12, 1997 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 12 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 13, 1998 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 13 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 14, 1999 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 14 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 15, 2000 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 15 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 16, 2001 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 16 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 17, 2002 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 17 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 18, 2003 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 18 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 19, 2004 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 19 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 20, 2005 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 20 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 21, 2006 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 21 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 22, 2007 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 22 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 23, 2008 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 23 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 24, 2009 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 24 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 25, 2010 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 25 | |
| AHS Newsletter - Vol. 26, 2011 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 26 | |
Related Material
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The following items are available at the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library:
- Finane, Ben. Handel's Messiah and his English oratorios: a closer look. New York: Continuum, 2009. Call number: Stacks, ML410.H13 F37 2009.
- King, Richard G., ed. Handel studies: a Gedenkschrift for Howard Serwer. Hillsdale, NY: Pendragon Press, c2009. Call number: Stacks, ML410.H13 H215 2009.
- Landgraf, Annette and David Vickers, eds. The Cambridge Handel Encyclopedia. Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press, 2009. Call number: Reference, ML410.H13 C23 2009.
- Thormälius, Gustav. Georg Friedrich Händel, von Gustav Thormälius, mit 25 abbildungen und einem farbigen umschlagbild. Bielefeld, Leipzig, Velhagen & Klasing, [n.d.]. Call number: Reference, ML410.H13 T56.
For other related archival and manuscript collections, please see the following subject guides.