Skip to main content

McKearin, Helen (1898 (date of birth) - 1988 (date of death))

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1898 (date of birth) - 1988 (date of death) - 1988

Biography

Helen McKearin graduated from Wellesley College in 1921 and learned a great deal about glass from her father, George S. McKearin, who owned an antiques shop in New York City. Helen McKearin researched and wrote/co-wrote several books on Amercan glass, specifically bottles and flasks, that became quite popular with collectors and scholars alike. She co-wrote two of her Three most well-known books with her father: _American Glass_ (1941) and _Two Hundred Years of American Blown Glass_ (1950). In 1970, Helen McKearin wrote _Bottles, Flasks, and Dr. Dyott_.

Another example of Helen McKearin's contribution to the glass world includes her work cataloging glass for the Index of American Design, New York City Unit, for the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project from 1936-1939. She also developed a cataloging system for the Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) while working on its initial collection of antique glass (1950-1951).

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Helen McKearin Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-0100
Scope and Contents The Helen McKearin Papers include a wide range of materials from her many research and writing projects as an American glass expert and scholar, time spent working for the WPA, consulting work, and lecturer. The papers consist of five series:(1) Biographical Information, 1921-1988(2) Correspondence, 1927-1988(3) Index of American Design, Federal Art Project, WPA, 1936-1939(4) Research and Writing, Circa 1930-1986(5) Clippings and...
Dates: 1807-1988; Majority of material found within Circa 1930-1988
Found in: The Rakow Research Library Manuscript Collection / Helen McKearin Papers

Staff Interface | ArchivesSpace.org | Hosted by Lyrasis Lyrasis Logo