Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen Collection

Collection

Identifier: MS 056

Staff Only

Scope and Contents note

The collection is comprised of sheet music and photographs which span the years 1800 to the 1960s. The music scores are divided into seven series based on type of music. 1.Unbound Sheet Music, 2. Autographed Sheet Music, 3. Bound Scores, 4. Miscellaneous Music Scores, 5.Operas/Oratories/Vocal Music, 6. School Songs/Training Schools, and 7. Photographs.

Also included are publicity photographs and other images of Steinkraus in her career as a pianist.

Dates

Creation: 1700s-1940s

Creator

Steinkraus-Cohen, Ruth, 1920-2002 (Person)

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

Open for research without restrictions.

Use restrictions

Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the:

Ruth A. Haas Library

Archives and Special Collections

181 White Street

Danbury, CT 06810

Phone: 203-837-8992

E-mail: stevensb@wcsu.edu

Biographical/Historical note

Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and lived most of her life in Westport, Connecticut, and London. She attended The Thomas School, Vassar College, and became a trained pianist at the Julliard School of Music. During her career she was also a singer, editor, radio host, bibliophile, journalist, and activist for world peace.

In 1956, while serving as Eleanor Roosevelt's secretary to the World Federation of the United Nations Association, she became a life-long committed supporter of the United Nations. She received national and international praise for her work on behalf of the UNA, the private, non-profit group that supports the U.N.'s work.

Ruth also organized the UNA-CT and UNA of Southwestern CT and eventually became a national board member of UNA-USA and vice president of UNA-UK, Westminster. During her life, Ruth won numerous awards for her service to music and the United Nations. Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen died on May 26, 2002.

Extent

5 Linear Feet

Additional Description

Abstract

The collection is comprised of mostly of sheetmusic which span the years 1800 to the 1960s. Also included are publicity photographs and other images of Steinkraus in her career as a pianist, radio host and activist for world peace.

Arrangement note

The collection is grouped into seven series:

1. Unbound sheet music 2. Autographed sheet music 3. Bound scores 4. Miscellaneous music scores 5. Operas/oratories/vocal music 6. School songs and training schools 7. Photographs

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

The collection was a bequest from the estate of the late Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen. In 2002, her brother, Bill Steinkraus, arranged for the transfer of about 2,000 books, 2,500 performing editions and scores, and long runs of 18 international musical journals to the Haas Library.