Evelyn Simpson Collection
Scope and Contents
The collection is organized in three series
Series I: Biographical, 1980-1995
Bulk dates: 1980-1995
Series I Contains resumes and self-authored profiles of Evelyn Simpson
Series II: Projects and Proposals, 1974-1981
Bulk dates: 1978-1981
Series II contains documentation of Evelyn Simpson’s cultural and artistic initiatives reaching beyond Newark’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. These included education in traditional crafts through an Essex County craft and cultural center created at Riker Hill, a decommissioned Nike missile base in Livingston.
Series III: Lincoln Park Neighborhood and July Fest, 1978-1981
Bulk dates: 1979-1980
Series III contains materials related to revitalization and promotion of Newark’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, including the Park and adjacent city properties. Most of the series documents production of the annual July Fest by the Lincoln Park Association’s Cultural Affairs Committee.
Dates
- 1974 - 1995
- Majority of material found within 1979 - 1981
Conditions Governing Access
Researchers wishing to publish, reproduce, or reprint materials from this collection must obtain permission.
Biographical / Historical
Born and raised in Newark, Evelyn Simpson (née Silverstein; 1931-2021) was a graduate of Weequahic High School and the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art. A ceramic artist and space planner, Simpson worked for the City of Newark from 1975 to 1981. She served as a management specialist in the Administration Department at Newark City Hall, whose public spaces were renovated under her direction. She also directed restoration projects at Newark Symphony Hall. Simpson served on the Cultural Affairs Committee of Newark’s Lincoln Park Association, which produced the annual July Fest in the park in 1979, 1980 and 1981. Most of this collection consists of organizational and promotional materials leading to July Fest, and photographs of these events. Simpson was a founding member and contributing craftsperson at the Peters Valley craft village in Sussex County, N.J.; a consultant for conversion of a former Nike missile base to the Riker Hill Art Park, a crafts and cultural center in Livingston, N.J.; and a founding member and the first president of the Folk Music Society of Northern New Jersey.
Extent
1.16 Linear Feet (2 Boxes) : 1 Hollinger Box, 1 Negative Flat Box with Lid ; Hollinger Box – 12.5” x 10.25” x 5”, Negative Flat Box – 9.75” x 12.75” x 1.75”
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The Evelyn Simpson Collection contains materials illustrating the work of Evelyn Simpson (1931-2021), a ceramic artist, space planner and Newark city employee whose commitment to arts education and urban revitalization led to a number of successful initiatives. Most materials in this collection concern planning and execution of a neighborhood festival called July Fest, held in Newark’s Lincoln Park in 1979, 1980 and 1981.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The Evelyn Simpson papers were donated in February 2023 by Evelyn Simpson’s son David Simpson of Chatham NJ.
Processing Information
The collection was originally stored in a number of binders, some arranged in rough chronological order and/or by event. Many of the materials were undated and order was imposed. The materials have been removed from the binders and boxed by format in document and flat boxes. The photographs are mostly 8”x10” prints and photographic slides. These contain images of July Fest demonstrators and performers.
- Title
- Evelyn Simpson Collection
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Gregory Guderian & Vanessa Castaldo
- Date
- September 2023
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Charles F. Cummings New Jersey Information Center, Newark Public Library Repository
3rd Floor
Newark Public Library
5 Washington St.
Newark NJ 07102 United States
973-733-7775
njreference@npl.org