- Creator
- Ayer, Gertrude E. (Gertrude Elise), 1884-1971
- Call number
- Sc MG 277; Sc Micro R-4842
- Physical description
- 0.27 linear feet (1 box, 1 reel)
- Language
- English
- Preferred Citation
- [Item], Gertrude Elise Ayer papers, Sc MG 277, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division, The New York Public Library
- Repository
- Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division
- Access to materials
- Request an in-person research appointment.
Gertrude Elise (née Johnson) McDougal Ayer, was born in New York City, and attended City College, Hunter College, and Columbia University. She began teaching in New York City public elementary schools in 1905, and she was the first vocational guidance instructor in an elementary school. In 1924 and 1936, Ayer was appointed assistant principal and principal, respectively. For twenty-five years, she was the only Black person to hold the position of principal within the New York City public school system. The collection consists of biographical information; a family history written by Mrs. Ayer, possibly for her daughter, Elizabeth; and a few items related to her professional activities before and after retirement in 1954. Additionally, there are scrapbooks, 1931-1966, which focus on Ayer's appointment and career as an assistant principal and principal, and include columns from the New York Amsterdam News.
Administrative information
Source of acquisition
Gift of Marie A. Bradley, October 1987; some material also acquired at auction.
Revision History
Finding aid updated by Lauren Stark. (2021 February 17)
Processing information
Transferred to the Photographs and Prints Division: photographs
Accessioned by Diana Lachatanere, October 1987.
Using the collection
Location
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division515 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York, NY 10037-1801
Second Floor
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.Conditions Governing Use
Scrapbooks are available on microfilm only.