Complementing the opening of the exhibition Belle da Costa Greene: A Librarian’s Legacy, this one-day scholarly symposium will bring together experts working on Belle Greene and/or the fields relevant to our understanding of her life and career, including African American history and literature, the history of museums and libraries, Medieval studies, art history, feminist bibliography, and book history.
As Belle Greene herself wrote in 1937, in one of her five-year reports on the Morgan’s activities, “Increased usefulness of the Library to the general public has been fostered through more frequent lectures and addresses by eminent authorities.” This symposium aims to bring together yet another group of “eminent authorities” in four panels/roundtables, following the great tradition of the lecture and conference series that Greene herself inaugurated at the Morgan so many years ago.
Schedule
Historical and Literary Perspectives on Racial Passing (9:15–10:45 AM)
As J. Pierpont Morgan’s librarian, Belle da Costa Greene relied on a multi-faceted identity performance that crossed boundaries of race, gender, and class. This panel aims to convey the complexity of Greene’s identity when discussing her life, even in the near total absence of her thoughts on the subject, in order to humanize passing and approach the topic with the utmost empathy. The discussion will delve into the historical context that gave rise to passing narratives and their relevance in contemporary discourse on race. Panelists will explore how authors have used passing as a literary device to interrogate notions of racial identity, privilege, and the fluidity of social constructs. The examination will extend beyond literature to encompass broader cultural, historical, and sociopolitical perspectives, exploring the ways in which passing narratives reflect and influence societal attitudes towards race.
Dr. Sterling L. Bland, Rutgers University-Newark
Dr. Julia Charles-Linen, Arizona State University
Dr. Dominique Jean-Louis, Center for Brooklyn History
Belle da Costa Greene and the History of Black Librarianship (11 AM–12:30 PM)
This roundtable seeks to illuminate the pivotal role of Black librarians in shaping and preserving cultural heritage, intellectual diversity, and equitable representation within the field of information sciences. As libraries evolve into dynamic spaces that reflect the rich tapestry of human experiences, it is imperative to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black librarians in fostering inclusivity, advocating for social justice, and bridging the gaps in information access. The roundtable will explore the historical context of early Black librarianship, with a focus on Belle Greene and her contemporaries, while also addressing contemporary issues and innovations. By bringing together a diverse group of accomplished professionals, this session aims to inspire dialogue, foster collaboration, and encourage the continued advancement of Black librarianship in the pursuit of knowledge, cultural preservation, and social justice.
Tamar Evangelestia-Dougherty, Smithsonian Libraries and Archives
Rhonda Evans, LuEsther T. Mertz Library, New York Botanical Garden
Petrina Jackson, Arthur & Elizabeth Schlesinger Library, Harvard University
DeLisa Minor Harris, Fisk University
New Directions in the Study of Belle da Costa Greene (2:15–3:45 PM)
Ever since Jean Strouse’s foundational discoveries in Morgan: American Financier, Belle da Costa Greene has been a popular subject for archival research and scholarship. This “state of the field” roundtable will discuss current research and new resources for the study of Belle da Costa Greene. Panelists will describe their work on “The Letters of Belle da Costa Greene to Bernard Berenson” digital project, the processing of Greene’s professional papers, and new sources that help illuminate her work as a medievalist. A major topic of discussion will be the archival gaps present in the story of Belle Greene’s life, and how to address those gaps ethically. Jean Strouse and Heidi Ardizzone, whose books set the stage for all subsequent scholarship on Greene, will participate as respondents and be asked to reflect on the current state of the field.
Dr. Heidi Ardizzone, author of An Illuminated Life: Belle da Costa Greene's Journey from Prejudice to Privilege
Erica Ciallela, Exhibition Project Coordinator - Belle da Costa Greene, Morgan Library & Museum
Dr. Anne-Marie Eze, Houghton Library, Harvard University
Dr. Philip S. Palmer, Robert H. Taylor Curator and Department Head, Literary and Historical Manuscripts, Morgan Library & Museum
Jean Strouse, author of Morgan: American Financier
The Afterlives of Belle da Costa Greene (4–5:30 PM)
This panel delves into the impactful legacy of Belle Da Costa Greene, a trailblazing librarian, medieval art expert, and museum director. At a time when women did not have the right to vote, Belle Greene made her own way through the male-dominated world of rare books and manuscripts, commanded an impressive salary, and refused to conform to societal expectations. Through insightful discussions, participants will examine the afterlives of her contributions to the fields of library science, medieval studies, and museum leadership, highlighting the intersectionality of her experiences and the doors she opened for women within the field. This culminating panel seeks to celebrate Greene's lasting influence on the cultural and academic landscape, fostering dialogue on the importance of diversity and inclusion in these realms, while also seeking to understand the complexity of her legacy.
Dr. Sierra Lomuto, Rowan University
Dr. Kate Ozment, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Dr. Tracy Sharpley-Whiting, Vanderbilt University
This symposium takes place in Gilder Lehrman Hall on the Ground Floor.
Please e-mail public_programs@themorgan.org with questions about accessibility.
Theodore C. Marceau (1859-1922), Belle da Costa Greene, May 1911, Biblioteca Berenson, I Tatti, The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies.