Mydell, Joseph

The Autograph Collection consists of a compilation of signatures on letters, postcards, photographs, concert/theater programs, etc., the earliest of which is a commission signed by John Hancock on February 1, 1776. The collection began in the early twentieth century when hundreds of signed letters and documents by individuals were donated to the Newark Public Library. Since then, hundreds more have been saved and added by library staff from donations, purchases or work-related correspondence. Much of the collection came from this saved correspondence, dating largely from 1900 to 1990. Much of this correspondence was between library staff and authors, writers or musicians, for acquisitions or information from the former Art and Music Department of the Newark Public Library.

Notable autographs include letters, notes or photographs from U.S. presidents, such as John Adams and John F. Kennedy; other politicians, such as Winston Churchill; artists, such as Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol; famous authors, such as Thomas Paine and Langston Hughes; royalty, such as King George III; musicians, such as Nat King Cole and Aaron Copland; and even businessmen, such as John D. Rockefeller. Each autograph folder contains information about the author, date, place, recipient, subject and source of the autograph. In addition, there are over 200 clipped autographs or signed letters affixed onto note cards. It is an open collection and is periodically added to.