Carrie Burton Overton Photographs

Collection

Identifier: UAV000340

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The collection includes a series of studio portraits dating from around the time of her marriage; portraits of family members and some other individuals; scenes at Howard University and the Tuskegee Institute; and several panoramic group pictures at alumni, political, and arts events.

Dates

1913 - 1960

Creator

Overton, Carrie Burton (Person)

Language of Materials

Material entirely in English.

Access

Collection is open for research.

Patrons must make an appointment with the AV Department prior to visiting. Box 2 restricted due to preservation concerns: access at discretion of AV Archivist.

Use

Refer to the Walter P. Reuther Library Rules for Use of Archival Materials.

For image reproduction, contact the AV Department

History

Carrie Burton Overton was active in African-American educational, political, and arts organizations through much of the twentieth century. Mrs. Overton was born in Laramie, Wyoming, on July 20, 1888. She was the first African American student to attend the University of Wyoming. She was encouraged to continue her education in music at Howard University. A group of Laramie society women sponsored a recital to raise funds for her fare; she played the piano, accompanying the soprano Madame Landor with the University of Wyoming orchestra. She worked as a secretary at the University while attending classes. She later studied music at the Juilliard School and English literature at Columbia University.

She married George Willford Boomer Overton, a teacher, at the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity house at Howard on August 6, 1913. She and her husband lived in Washington, D.C., for several years before moving to New York City in 1923.

In her career, Mrs. Overton worked at the University of Wyoming, Howard University, the USDA, the US Census Bureau, the NAACP, the Community Church of New York, the Vanguard Press, the National Urban League, and the Eastern Division of Colored Voters of the Democratic Party.

Extent

.75 Linear Feet ((2 MB).) : Photographic prints.

Additional Description

Abstract

Carrie Burton Overton was active in African-American educational, political, and arts organizations through much of the twentieth century. The collection includes a series of studio portraits dating from around the time of her marriage; portraits of family members and some other individuals; scenes at Howard University and the Tuskegee Institute; and several panoramic group pictures at alumni, political, and arts events.

Arrangement

Arranged by format and then by subject.

Acquisition

Ms. Burton placed her papers and photographs in the Archives of Labor History and Urban Affairs in 1969, 1971, and 1973; the papers were opened for research in January 1974.

Other Copies

Most of the photographs, including all of the panoramic views (Box 2) have been digitized. Digital image numbers included with item description in inventory.