Joel E. Spingarn papers

1890-1939

Joel Elias Spingarn (1875-1939) was an American literary critic, poet, teacher, and social reformer. After teaching comparative literature at Columbia University, he became active in literary and public affairs. He helped to found the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909 and served as president from 1930 to 1939. The Spingarn medal which he endowed in 1913 is awarded yearly by the NAACP. Collection consists of correspondence, Spingarn's writings and printed matter. Correspondence is with his wife, other family members and persons in literary and academic fields, and relates to Spingarn's interests such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and horticulture. Writings include miscellaneous lecture notes, poetry and literary manuscripts. Also, scrapbooks, newsclippings and ephemera.