New Archival Exhibit, "Mining the Archives," at International Tennis Hall of Fame
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kat Anderson
194 Bellevue Ave.
Newport,
401-849-3990
kat@tennisfame.com
03/07/07 - Newport--The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum has developed a new exhibit entitled Mining the Archives, a collection of historical information dating back to the opening of the Newport Casino Theatre in 1881. The exhibit is on view now through May 1, 2007.
Mining the Archives is a special exhibit made possible by grant support from the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities (RICH), an independent state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This RICH grant provides technical, archival and program development assistance for libraries, museums and historical societies for research and public distribution and exhibition of historical information.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum’s collection consists of a vast array of historical information relating to Newport, the sport of tennis and the individuals honored in the Hall of Fame. Mining the Archives illustrates three new themes developed from within its archives. The three themes portrayed in this new exhibit are:
The Newport Casino Theatre (1881 – 1959)
With the opening of the Newport Casino in 1881, the Casino Ballroom and Theatre was a key element of Newport society’s summer activities. For decades the theatre thrived, bringing renowned talent such as Basil Rathbone, Shelley Winters, and Charlton Heston, to its stage. Discoveries in the Hall of Fame Museum archives are the diaries of Joseph Barrett, the Casino Superintendent from 1885-1904, along with historical scrapbooks containing newspaper articles, programs, and announcements that span 75 years of theatre performances.
The American Tennis Association: The Early Years
Having previously been denied entry into USLTA events because of their color, in 1916 a group of prominent black professionals established the American Tennis Association to provide black players an opportunity to compete in national championships. Several items on display highlight the achievements of these pioneers, while the breadth of camaraderie and competition within the American Tennis Association is revealed.
Discovering Helen Hull Jacobs
Helen Hull Jacobs is known internationally as a tennis champion from the 1930s, but she was much more. Her additional achievements off the courts have been uncovered through newspaper clippings, personal letters, and vintage photographs. Her unique life is briefly portrayed through personal artifacts, memorabilia and correspondence, including her connections with Hank Ketcham, creator of “Dennis the Menace”.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is the largest repository of tennis information and memorabilia in the world. The Hall of Fame Museum encompasses over 20,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, momentous videos, and popular memorabilia of tennis champions past and present. The Museum’s permanent collection alone contains over 16,000 objects. The Library and Information Research Center has upwards of 3,000 books; 3,000 audio-visual materials; 250,000 photo images, and an abundant collection of magazines, programs, periodicals, posters, and personal player memorabilia.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is located at 194 Bellevue Avenue in the heart of historic Newport, RI. The Hall of Fame Museum is open daily 9:30am-5:00pm. Regular Museum admission is $9 for adults, $5 for children (16 and under), $7 for seniors/military/students with ID, and $23 for a family.
Links:
www.tennisfame.com
