Series II. Professional Papers and Central Park Conservancy Records, 1962-2019, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Series II contains materials related to Elizabeth Barlow Rogers' career in parks advocacy and administration, as well as her professional and social engagements that stemmed from her prominent role in New York City municipal and civic life. The bulk of her professional work documented here pertains to her job as Central Park administrator from 1979-1995 and her role as founder and President of the Central Park Conservancy from 1980-1995. In addition, her early advocacy for environmental conservation, urban development, and her later restoration efforts nationally and abroad are also documented here.
Arrangement
Series II Consists of the following four subseries:
Subseries II.A Official Publications, 1973-2015
Subseries II.B Publicity and Correspondence, 1971-2019
Subseries II.C Advocacy, 1962-2019
Subseries II.D Graphic Materials and Audiovisual Materials, 1968-2011
Subseries II.A Official Publications, 1973-2015, inclusive
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of printed matter that document the activities of the Central Park Conservancy. Published reports, brochures, advertising materials, and scripts make up the bulk of the subseries. The materials range widely in date, but are clustered around Rogers' activities in the 1970-1980s and the 1990s-2010s. While Rogers retired from the CPC and Parks Department in 1995, she is a lifelong trustee and continued her active public life in parks and urban arenas.
Arrangement
Materials in this subseries are arranged in the original order that they were received from the donor.
The Symposium - Central Park (Japanese Language), DVD of Event (1 of 2), circa 2012, inclusive
Scope and Contents
A digital access copy of the DVD was created 4/20/2022.
Conditions Governing Access
The discs were retained for context, but the files on the discs may not be accessed. Patrons may only use the preserved digital files from the DVD listed above.
The Symposium - Central Park (Japanese Language), DVD of Event (2 of 2) Digital File, circa 2012, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Digital files can be made available online for viewing only. To arrange to receive a link to the desired digital files, contact reference@nyhistory.org.
The Wonder of New York Campaign, 1994, inclusive
Central Park Conservancy Trustee Handbook, 2015, inclusive
The Central Park Effect (report), 2015 November, inclusive
CPC Outline for Restoration Plan (report), 1980-1981, inclusive
Central Park Conservancy Annual Reports (2 folders), 1985-2000, inclusive
New York City Parks and Recreation Department Annual Reports, 1983-1986, inclusive
Central Park Brochures and CPC Event Invitations, 1967-1987, inclusive
Wild Wild World of Animals TV Scripts, 1974, inclusive
Seeing Central Park (Documentary) Script, circa 1973, inclusive
Central Park Taskforce (3 folders), 1973-1984, inclusive
Subseries II.B Publicity and Correspondence, 1971-2019, inclusive
Scope and Contents
This subseries is made up of clippings, interviews, and other publicity documents relating to Rogers' work as CPC member and Central Park administrator. It also contains files maintained by Rogers on related projects and parks/urban renewal efforts in American cities and abroad. Within are correspondence and other research materials related to her collaborations in an official capacity. There is also correspondence and printed matter from relationships that were both professional and personal, such as her friendship with Brooke Astor. The bulk of this subseries is from the late 1980s to the mid 2010s.
Arrangement
Materials are arranged in their original order. The materials in Box 15 were part of an earlier gift from Rogers in 2008 and were physically arranged but not described at that time. Almost all of these materials were integrated into Subseries II.B but select folders can be found elsewhere in the finding aid.
Printed Ephemera From Brooke Astor's Birthday, 1992, inclusive
Clippings of EBR's Work in the Parks Department, 1982-2002, inclusive
Clippings of Urban Studies Articles, 2017-2019, inclusive
EBR Interview on the Highline, 2015, inclusive
Guestbook from Spring Engagements, 2002 February-2003 May, inclusive
Publicity Correspondence, 1983-1987, inclusive
EBR and Central Park Articles and Press (2 folders), 1980-2016, inclusive
EBR and Central Park Clippings (2 folders), 1979-2003, inclusive
Clippings on Central Park History, 1974-1995, inclusive
EBR Professional and Civil Activities Clippings (11 folders), 1970-2019, inclusive
Careers in Conservation (monograph), 1980, inclusive
Clippings from EBR's Retirement as Central Park Administrator and Central Park Conservancy President, 1995 December 31, inclusive
Speaking Engagements, 1997-2004, inclusive
Fred Wiseman Correspondence Re: Central Park Documentary, 1988-1990, inclusive
Cityscape Institute Correspondence Files A-Z (16 folders), 1995-1999, inclusive
Central Park Conservancy Resignation Correspondence, 1991-1999, inclusive
Cityscape Street Furniture, 1992-2000, inclusive
Correspondence on EBR's Proposed Book, 1991-1996, inclusive
ABC: Exploring the Park Correspondence, 1989, inclusive
European Parks Correspondence, 1989-1991, inclusive
CPC Letters and Ephemera, 1991-1995, inclusive
EBR Park Correspondence with National Organizations, 1991-1994, inclusive
Publicity and Correspondence, 1989-1992, inclusive
Public Space for Public Life Project Correspondence (2 folders), 1991-1992, inclusive
CPC and Central Park Administrator Correspondence (3 folders), 1978-2002, inclusive
Book Subvention Correspondence, 1999-2002, inclusive
Bard Graduate Center Posters and Flyers, 2002-2003, inclusive
Bard Graduate Center Director Correspondence, 2001-2003, inclusive
Events Correspondence for CPC, Central Park Administration, 1984-1994, inclusive
Miscellaneous Social Correspondence, 1998-1999, inclusive
Miscellaneous Central Park Correspondence, 1973-1998, inclusive
Civil Society Correspondence, Friends, 1991-1996, inclusive
Scope and Contents
File includes, among other things, letters from Yoko Ono, Ivana Trump, Ed Koch
Park Enhancement District and Battery Park Correspondence, 1995, inclusive
Correspondence with Other Central Park Authors, 1997, inclusive
Brooklyn Bridge Park Correspondence, 2000, inclusive
Randall's Island Sports Foundation Correspondence, 1995-1997, inclusive
Bloomberg For Mayor Re: Parks Correspondence, 2001, inclusive
Correspondence with New York Figures Re: Urban Improvement, 1995-2001, inclusive
City Parks Foundation and Mary McCormick (Fund for the City of New York) Correspondence (2 folders), 1994-1997, inclusive
Cityscape Institute Correspondence, 1995-2000, inclusive
Barcelona-New York Urban Dialogue Correspondence, 1994-1995, inclusive
Lambert Pohner Letters and Illustrations, 1982-1983, inclusive
Central Park Journal and Correspondence, 1979-1983, inclusive
Browning Family Correspondence, 1971-1973, inclusive
National Park Foundation, 1994, inclusive
Cornell University, 1990, inclusive
"Post 2000" Parks Correspondence, 1995-2001, inclusive
Piedmont Park Conservancy, 1989-1991, inclusive
Weequahic Park Association, 1993-2000, inclusive
Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, 1993-1996, inclusive
"Pre 2001" CPC Correspondence, 1990-1998, inclusive
Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri, 1990-1993, inclusive
Boston Parks, 1986-1995, inclusive
French Colleagues, 1989-1991, inclusive
Versailles Restoration, 1991, inclusive
Dayton, Ohio, 1993-1994, inclusive
Cincinnati, Ohio, 1995, inclusive
New Orleans Parkway and Parks Commission, 1992, inclusive
Chicago, Illinois, 1989-2000, inclusive
Houston, Texas, 1990-1995, inclusive
Fort Worth, Texas, 2000, inclusive
Asian Colleagues, 1990-1998, inclusive
Hyde Park, Australia, 1989-1992, inclusive
The Spanish Institute, Barcelona, 1994-1995, inclusive
Miscellaneous Professional Correspondence Outside New York City, 1995-1997, inclusive
Subseries II.C Advocacy, 1962-2019, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Rogers began her career in parks administration as a research aide for Whitney North Seymour Jr., a New York State Senator from 1966-1968. Seymour was a founding member of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The bulk of the advocacy papers are focused on her work for Seymour, particularly around the expansion of bike paths and trails and the preservation of waterways in New York State. Another collection of papers within this subseries pertains to the 1970s activism of civic groups in response to the fiscal crisis and perceived decay of New York City. Her later advocacy related directly to her work in the CPC, particularly urban planning and renewal.
Arrangement
The subseries is generally arranged in the original order it was received in. Some oversized materials were separated and are linked in the finding aid.
Bike Trails, Conservation Advocacy (1 of 2), 1968, inclusive
Arrangement
See corresponding oversized material in Box 16 Folder 1.
Bike Trails, Conservation Advocacy (2 of 2), 1968, inclusive
Arrangement
See corresponding material in Box 6 Folder 28.
Garden Tours Printed Ephemera, 2007-2019, inclusive
Foundation For Landscape Studies Tour Materials, 2005-2007, inclusive
Rebuilding Central Park Notes and Slides, 2001, inclusive
Seymour Legislation, 1967-1968, inclusive
Public Space for Public Life, 1993, inclusive
Park Association of New York City Speeches and Reports, 1966-1968, inclusive
Trails and Bikeways Advocacy (2 folders), 1965-1968, inclusive
Waterways and Wetlands Advocacy, 1964-1968, inclusive
Articles on the Environment, 1970-1971, inclusive
Parks Association of NYC Articles and Related Press, 1968-1976, inclusive
Clippings on Urban Planning, Lindsay Administration, 1969-1991, inclusive
Articles By Others on City Planning Issues, undated, inclusive
Park Association Budget and Planning Committee, 1969-1970, inclusive
Essays and Clippings on Urban Improvement, 1971-1973, inclusive
Municipal Art Society, 1967-1974, inclusive
Toward a Quieter City (report), 1970, inclusive
Conservation Projects and Civil Advocacy, 1967-1970, inclusive
Clippings and Reflections on Landscape History, 1967-1970, inclusive
Whitney North Seymour, 1968-1969, inclusive
Conservation - Regional, 1967-1979, inclusive
Conservation and Environment Clippings, 1969-1977, inclusive
NY Transportation Memo to Roger Starr, circa 1962, inclusive
Robert Moses Article Re: Biography, 1974, inclusive
Speeches on the Environment, circa 1970, inclusive
State Park Commission for NYC, 1969-1970, inclusive
Research on Environmental Health and Urban Planning, 1968, inclusive
Miscellaneous Photos and Research on NYC Environment, 1966-1974, inclusive
Institute for Urban Design Conference, Proposals, 1994-1995, inclusive
Speeches on Central Park, 1983, inclusive
Forest Park, St. Louis, R/UDAT, 1976, inclusive
Subseries II.D Graphic Materials and Audiovisual Materials, 1968-2011, inclusive
Scope and Contents
The subseries includes photographs, illustrations, and graphics related to Rogers' public life and professional work as well as photographs and audiovisual materials focusing on Central Park itself. There are also several recorded lectures and interviews given by Rogers to news stations and civic groups. Audiovisual materials are listed in the finding aid along with their digitization status. Some photographs of Central Park were taken by prominent photographers such as Bruce Davidson and Ruth Orkin. Rogers appears photographed with various important figures such as Barbara and George H.W. Bush, Ed Koch, Rudy Giuliani, and Brooke Astor.
Arrangement
The subseries is generally arranged in the original order it was received in. Some oversized materials were separated and are linked in the finding aid.
Conditions Governing Use
The videotapes are restricted because of their fragility. Please contact the curator of manuscripts at manuscripts@nyhistory.org for further information.
Optical Media from Central Park Conservatory (CPC) (1 of 2), 2005-2009, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Two DVD-Rs and one CD-R. The DVD-Rs are interviews with EBR produced by Chelsea Studios, Inc. for the CPC. The CD-R is a "QM2 Lecture" probably given by EBR as a guest of Oxford University during a cruise. Digital access files were created 4/20/2022.
Conditions Governing Access
The discs were retained for context, but the files on the discs may not be accessed. Patrons may only use the preserved digital files from the CDs listed above.
Optical Media from Central Park Conservancy (CPC) (2 of 2) Digital Files, 2005-2009, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Digital files can be made available online for viewing only. To arrange to receive a link to the desired digital files, contact reference@nyhistory.org.
Women to Women Guest Speaker: Elizabeth Barlow Rogers on Landscape Design Betacam SP Tape RESTRICTED, 2001 October 29, inclusive
Women to Women Guest Speaker: Elizabeth Barlow Rogers on Landscape Design VHS Tape RESTRICTED, 2001 October 29, inclusive
Photos of EBR and Others in Central Park/Central Park Conservancy (2 of 4 folders), 1976-1989, inclusive
Scope and Contents
These folders contain material by photographer Ruth Orkin.
Arrangement
For corresponding oversized content see Box 16 Folders 2-3.
Photos of EBR and Others in Central Park/Central Park Conservancy (2 of 4 folders), 1973-1996, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Folders include photographs by Bruce Davidson, Ruth Orkin, Edward Reed, Victor Laredo, Leondard Spencer, and the White House.
Photo Book of Bethesda Fountain Restoration, 1981, inclusive
Photos of EBR with Central Park Allies, undated, inclusive
Portraits of EBR in Central Park, circa 1980, inclusive
Photos of EBR with Dignitaries and Important Friends, circa 1980s-1990s, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Notable subjects include Henry Stern (Former Parks Commissioner of New York City), Mayor Edward Koch, and Mayor David Dinkins.
Photos of Central Park by Artist Bruce Davidson, circa 1992, inclusive
Photos of EBR with Chinese Delegation in Central Park, circa 1970s, inclusive
Contact Sheets of EBR Portraits in Central Park, circa 1980, inclusive
Photos of EBR at CPC 10th Anniversary, Portraits, 1990-1991, inclusive
Contact Sheet and Negatives of Miscellaneous Central Park Activities, undated, inclusive
Photos and Correspondence from W 100th Street Playground Rededication, 1987, inclusive
Miscellaneous Photos of ERB and Others in Central Park, 1988, 1990s, inclusive
Photos from the Central Park Conservancy Archive, 1975-1987, inclusive
EBR's Central Parks Conservancy Career Photos (2 folders), 1982-1995, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Notable figures include Mayor Edward Koch, Henry Stern, and Jackie Onasis.
Photos from First Frederick Law Olmsted Luncheon and Other Important Events, 1970s-1990s, inclusive
Optical Media on Frederick Law Olmsted, Other Events (1 of 2), 2005-2011, inclusive
Scope and Contents
One CD-R "The Gates Reception and Photos," February 16, 2005. Two DVDs: "The Olmsted Legacy: America's Urban Parks"; "The Papers of Frederick Law Olmsted. Supplementary series volume 2." Digital access files were created 4/20/2022.
Conditions Governing Access
The discs were retained for context, but the files on the discs may not be accessed. Patrons may only use the preserved digital files from the CDs listed above.
Optical Media on Frederick Law Olmsted, Other Events (2 of 2) Digital Files, 2005-2011, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Digital files can be made available online for viewing only. To arrange to receive a link to the desired digital files, contact reference@nyhistory.org.
Betsy Rogers Central Park Tapes 1-4 (two VHS) RESTRICTED, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Two VHS tapes with homemade labels: Betsy Rogers Central Park Tapes 1-2 and Tapes 3-4.
Think Tank Interview with EBR (VHS) RESTRICTED, 1999 December 12, inclusive
A Year in Central Park (VHS) RESTRICTED, 2007, inclusive
The Park (VHS) RESTRICTED, undated, inclusive
Central Park Slides, 1971-1999, inclusive
Central Park Duplicate Slides, 1971-1999, inclusive
Negatives and Contact Sheets of Parks Council, 1970, inclusive
The Park 16 mm Print with Optical Transfer (Protection Master Betacam) RESTRICTED, 1993 March 10, inclusive
A Tribute to Elizabeth Barlow Rogers (VHS) RESTRICTED, 1990 March 28, inclusive
Gerald Allen Central Park Architectural Designs, 1980, inclusive
Arrangement
For related oversized materials see OS-Medium Folder 1.
Gerald Allen Designs and Elevations for New Central Park Luminaire. Oversize, undated, inclusive
Arrangement
For related materials see Box 16 Folder 4.