The papers of Sylvia H. Williams primarily document her role as a curator at the Brooklyn Museum of Art, 1971-83, and as Director of the National Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian Institution, 1983-96. The biographical files, correspondence, clippings, writings, and awards and diplomas provide documentation concerning her education, her interest in art and African Art, her work at the Brooklyn Museum and the Smithsonian Institute, and her accomplishments as a successful African-American woman. A farewell card, signed by the staff members of the Brooklyn Museum, illustrates the respect and affection that Williams received from her colleagues and friends.

Of particular interest are materials relating to her high school the Friends’ Central School (Wynnewood, Pennsylvania), including printed matter, her distinguished alumni award (1993), photographs and a drawing of the school.

The collection also consists of writings, printed matter, and correspondence concerning the Smithsonian Institute and its African Art Collection. The newsletter The Torch (1983-87), a copy of the book Great Paintings of the National Gallery of Art, and printed matter such as brochures provide detail about the collections and operation of the Smithsonian Institute.

Series I. Biographical Files, 1978, 1983-96, n.d. (5 folders, card, calendar) Restricted

The biographical materials include memories of Sylvia Williams by former friends and colleagues, obituaries, and resumes. A copy of the article “The Legacy of Sylvia Williams,” The Grapevine (May 1996) is contained in this series. A personnel file (Restricted) relating to her employment at the Smithsonian Institute is also included.

Series II. Correspondence, 1971-96 (8 folders)

The correspondence series is organized into two subseries: 1. Correspondence received and sent by Sylvia Williams, and 2. Correspondence of other Individuals. The correspondence of Williams primarily concerns her graduate schoolwork at New York University, and her positions at the Brooklyn Museum and the Smithsonian Institute. The correspondence of other individuals concerns Sylvia Williams and includes condolences to her husband, Charlton Williams, following her death in February 1996.

Series III. Clippings, 1976, 1981-97, n.d. (6 folders)

Consists of clippings concerning Sylvia Williams and the African Art Museum at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. Arranged chronologically.

Series IV. Printed Matter, 1975-96, n.d. (8 folders)

Consists of printed matter of the Smithsonian Institute (i.e., The Torch newsletter, invitations to events), New York University 143rdCommencement program (1975), invitations to White House events and parties, and materials relating to the Friends’ Central School in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.

Series V. Writings by and about Sylvia H. Williams, 1972-93, n.d. (9 folders, 2 books) Restricted

This series is further subdivided into two sub-series: Subseries 1. Writings by and about Sylvia H. Williams; and, Subseries 2. Writings by Other Authors. Subseries 1 consists of a student paper and final exam (restricted), and writings concerning a review of a tribal arts exhibit and Polynesian themes and motifs. Subseries 2 consists of writings collected by Sylvia Williams and includes the book Great Paintings of the National Art Gallery, and works relating to art and culture in the Kongo.

Series VI. Speeches, 1986-96 (7 folders)

Consists of speeches of Sylvia H. Williams concerning African Art and the Smithsonian Institute. Also included is a tribute to Bryce P. Holcome.

Series VII. Awards, Certificates, and Diplomas, 1963, 1975-95, n.d. (7 folders)

This series consists of certificates, awards, and diplomas received by Sylvia H. Williams. Included here is her Honorary Degree from Amherst College, 1989, and her Candace Award received in 1983. A complete list is located in the inventory.

Series VIII. Photographs and Drawing, 1977-96, n.d. (10 folders, 1 drawing)

The photographs depict events at the White House (Ronald Reagan and William Clinton), the Friends’ Central School, the Candace Award, and other events and places. Also included is a drawing of the Friends’ Central School by Blake? Hughes in 1981.

The papers of Sylvia H. Williams were received in two accessions from Roslyn A. Walker, representative for the Estate of Charlton E. Williams, in 2003.

See also the student file and trustee file of Sylvia H. Williams (RG 28).