Mary Agnes Starr Papers, 1920-1984


Summary Information
Title: Mary Agnes Starr Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1920-1984

Creator:
  • Starr, Mary Agnes
Call Number: UWM Manuscript Collection 28

Quantity: .2 cubic ft. (1 box)
Repository:
Archival Location:
UW-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives / Milwaukee Area Research Ctr. (Map)

Abstract:
Papers of a Wisconsin folklorist, including biographical data, letters of thanks from individuals, newsclippings, and programs from several folk festivals. The collection also contains publications, primarily bulletins from the French Folklore Society, the National Federation of Music Clubs, and the Wisconsin Federation of Music Clubs; Starr's writings including a play entitled Jesous Ahatonhia, a brochure Let's Have a Folk Festival, and several journal articles.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-mil-uwmmss0028
 ↑ Bookmark this ↑

Biography/History

A native of Wisconsin with a French-Canadian background, Mary Agnes Starr was a collector of French-Canadian folklore most of her life. She was widely known for her lecture-recitals, The Voyageur in Song and Story, and Adventures in French Folklore. Starr gave programs featuring American folksongs, and lectured on American folklore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

She was associated with the National Folk Festival Association (NFFA) beginning in 1948 as a participant as well as a volunteer assisting with forums, conferences, workshops and public relations. She was also an active member of the National Advisory Council of NFFA, a member of the State Board of the Wisconsin Federation of Music Clubs (archivist-chair of folk music) for over twenty years, served on the board of the National Federation, and was chair of Folk-Music Research for four years.

Arrangement of the Materials

The files are organized alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.

Preferred Citation

Citation Guide for Primary Sources

Separated Material in the UWM Libraries

The Archives staff separated some materials from the collection when Starr donated it to the Library. Books are in Special Collections; microfilm in Microforms area; and recordings and sheet music are in the Library's Music Collection.

Administrative/Restriction Information
Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law.


Use Restrictions

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).


Acquisition Information

Mary Agnes Starr donated the collection to the Golda Meir Library in 1989.


Processing Information

Mike Klawitter processed the collection at the Archives in June 1992.


Contents List
Box   1
Folder   1
Biographical, undated
Box   1
Folder   2
Correspondence, 1954-1984
Box   1
Folder   3
French Folklore Society, 1939-1960
Box   1
Folder   4
Jesous Ahatonhia, undated
Box   1
Folder   5
Let's Have a Folk Festival, undated
Box   1
Folder   6
National Federation of Music Clubs (U.S.), 1959-1961
Box   1
Folder   7
News Clippings, 1946-1987
Box   1
Folder   8
Programs, 1920-1961
Box   1
Folder   9
Wisconsin Federation of Music Clubs, 1952
Box   1
Folder   10
Writings, 1949-1968