James Lecky/Robert Hartman Collection

Collection

Identifier: MG NWK Lecky

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Lecky/Hartman collection contains minutes, membership lists and other administrative records; correspondence; reports; clippings, historic preservation nominations, graphic work, photographs; and miscellaneous publications. The collection is arranged in three series: Series 1: Organizational Files (1971-2012, undated), contains records of public and private organizations devoted to historic preservation. James Lecky was an active member, and in some cases an officer, of these groups, and all, except the Greensward Foundation of New York, are or were based in Newark. Series 2: Subject Files (1886-2021, undated) contain reference material, mostly relating to historic preservation or Newark history in general, including a few items of personal and family memorabilia. Series 3: Audio-Visual Materials and Oversize (1954-1974, undated) includes photographs, slides, graphics and a few oversize publications.

Dates

1886 - 2020
Majority of material found within 1980 - 2000

Creator

Lecky, James P. (Person)

Biographical / Historical

James P. Lecky and Robert Hartman are life partners who lived together at 524 Clifton Avenue in the Forest Hill section of Newark from the 1980s until 2020, when they retired and moved full-time into their second home on Long Island. James Lecky was born and raised in Newark and was the son of an Italian-American mother and a father of Ukrainian descent. Lecky’s intense interest in historic preservation, not only of architecture but also of the natural environment, is reflected in the leading role he took in a number of preservation organizations in Newark. Mayor Sharpe James appointed him to Newark’s Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission at its founding in 1989, and in later years he worked for the Branch Brook Park Alliance. Robert Hartman is a graphic designer, who shared an interest in the history and culture of Newark, and often generously contributed his talents to the publications and online presence of such local organizations as the Newark History Society.

Extent

3.92 Linear Feet (7 Hollinger boxes, 1 oversize box) : Fileroom & Offsite

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Processing Information

The materials were received in banker boxes and file folders. Basic organization of the collection was left intact after it was rehoused to archival boxes. A number of books and postcards in the donation were not included in the collection. Refer to the accession file for a detailed list of items not included.