Natalie H. Lee Papers

Collection

Identifier: SC-036

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Natalie Lee as a long association with the Dallas Museum of Art and the collection documents that work and projects. The collection is arranged in four series: DMA Docent, DMA, McDermott, and Personal. The DMA Docent series contains tour scripts and notes for museum colllections, galleries and exhibitions; files are arranged alphabetically. The DMA series contains documenation on various projects and collection research undertaken by Lee, including the 90th Anniversary Timeline exhibition, Piet Mondrian school outreach program, Beaux Arts Ball and collection object research. The McDermott series contains correspondence, tours and planning for the McDermott bequest and exhibition. The Personal series contains art-related essays and lectures outside of the DMA context.

Dates

1968 - 2018

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for public research. Researchers must make an appointment to view this collection.

Biographical / Historical

Natalie "Schatzie" Lee has had a long relationship with the DMA. Her involvement began with the Dallas Museum for Contemporary Arts where she was a docent and a member of the Board of Trustees along with her husband George. Lee would later continue both roles at the DMFA / DMA.

At the DMFA Lee was a member of the Museum League and in 1968 co-chaired the Beaux Arts Ball, themed Tlaloc's Frolic.

Her background in art history and long history with the museum led to a number of research and exhibition projects. For example, in 1993 she researched and created an exhibition for the museum's 90th Anniversary in the form of a timeline and photo montage installed in the concourse.

Lee's friendship with Margaret McDermott led to McDermott asking Lee to act as her representative in planning the McDermott Bequest exhibition, An Enduring Legacy: The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Collection of Impressionist and Modern Art, in 2018.

Extent

0.83 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The collection contains documentation of a few of the projects that Lee has worked on in conjunction with the museum: 1968 Beaux Arts Ball, 90th Anniversary Timeline and Photo Montage, docent program, and the McDermott Bequest.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in four series: DMA Docent, DMA, McDermott, and Personal.

Custodial History

Donation left with DMA Director of Special Events Jennifer to give to the Archives.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Natalie Lee.

Appraisal

Duplicate copies removed.

Accruals

Photo album of the the 90th Anniversary Timeline (including installation, installation in progress, and Lee tour photos) donated by Lee many years ago as a single item, has been added to this collection.

Accrual 1 containing docent materials arrived on 9 May 2019. Accrual 2 arrived in June 2019.

Processing Information

Processed by Hillary Bober, completed July 17, 2018. Processing completed of accrual 1 on 20 May 2019; accrual 2 in March 2020; and accrual 3 in October 2024.

Additional description/notes were added for DACS compliance and ArchivesSpace local usage guidelines in 2021.