Elizabeth V. Beach papers
Collection
0077-SCPA
Elizabeth V. Beach (1882-1951) was a pioneer member of the Eastern Conference of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC), later known as the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). In 1921, she came to Syracuse, New York, and became Assistant Supervisor of Music in the Syracuse Public Schools. In 1934, she was promoted to Supervisor, a position she held until her retirement in 1945. During her time in Syracuse, Beach founded the annual Christmas Carol Festival and was a member of many local organizations. In the summers, she worked as a tour guide in Europe. The collection contains letters, writings, Christmas Carol Festival materials, administrative materials, photographs, clippings, instructional materials, travel guides, publications, realia, and sound recordings related to Beach's work as a music educator and as a tour guide, and as a member of the Music Educators National Conference.
The collection is open for research use. Materials from this collection must be used in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Special Collections Room during SCPA’s operating hours. Please contact the curator for an appointment or if you have questions related to digital access of the materials.
0.25 Linear Feet
10 audio materials
The Elizabeth V. Beach papers cover the years 1928 to 1951. The collection contains materials related to Beach's work as a music educator in Syracuse, New York, as a tour guide in Europe, and as a member of the Music Educators National Conference. The papers include letters, writings, materials regarding the Christmas Carol Festival, administrative materials, photographs, clippings, instructional materials, travel guides, publications, realia, and sound recordings.
As a pioneer member of the Eastern Conference, Elizabeth V. Beach was a valued participant in Music Educators National Conference (MENC) activities for many years. The organization is now known as the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Born in Lima, Peru, in 1882, Beach moved to Syracuse, New York in 1921 to work as Assistant Supervisor of Music in the public schools. In 1934, she became Supervisor, a position she held until her retirement in 1945. Though she taught during the school year, Beach spent many of her summers as a tour guide in Europe. She also founded and directed the annual Christmas Carol Festival in Syracuse. An active member of her community, she was president of the Professional Women's League and a member of various organizations, including the Friends of Reading, the Current Events Club, the New York State Historical Association, Morning Musicals, the League of Women Voters, and the Corinthian Club. She was also President of the New York State Music Supervisors Association and President of the Music Supervisors National Association.
This collection is organized into 11 series:
The Elizabeth V. Beach papers were donated by Mr. Edward B. Sackett, nephew of Elizabeth V. Beach, via Charles Gary (agent), on four occasions: July 10, 1981, November 11, 1983, January 19, 1993, and April 26, 1995.
Part of the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library