Guide to the Sarah Elizabeth Minchin Barker papers, 1844-1988

Brown University Library, Special Collections
Box A, John Hay Library
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Tel: 401-863-2146
Fax: 401-863-2093
E-mail: hay@brown.edu

Published in 2008

Collection Overview

Title:	Sarah Elizabeth Minchin Barker papers
Date range:	1844-1988
Creator:	Barker, Sarah Elizabeth Minchin, d. 1988
Extent:	7 linear feet (8 legal size clamshell boxes)
Abstract:	Sarah Elizabeth Minchin Barker (also known as Sally Barker) was an actress and director whose career was highlighted by the work with The Players at the Talma Theatre and the Barker Playhouse Theatre. She was active in dramatic events at Pembroke, where she taught theatre. Her husband, Henry Ames Barker, 1861-1929 (Brown class of 1893) was a guiding influence and a director of the Players. He was the son of Mayor Harry Barker of Providence and active himself in the civic and cultural affairs of the city.
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	Brown University Library, Special Collections
Collection number:	Ms. 90.4

Scope & content

The collection includes diaries and trip journals of Sally Barker; typescripts of plays (prompt copies and director's copies) and theatre photographs; and personal and theatre memorabilia. Much of the material is signed by Sarah Barker. Also included are Talma Club notices compiled by Harry Ames Barker, and other material relating to his theatre interests. Many printed plays, some with manuscript directions, notes, etc., were also received with the collection. These will be separately catalogued for the Harris Collection. Laid-in items removed are listed here.

Access Points

Subject Names

• Barker, Sarah Elizabeth Minchin, d. 1988
• Barker, Henry Ames, 1866-1929

Subject Organizations

• Barker Playhouse (Providence, R.I.)
• Talma Theatre (Providence, R.I.)
• Players (Providence, R.I.)

Subject Topics

• Theater--United States
• Theater--Rhode Island
• Pageants--United States

Subject Topics

• Performing Arts

Document Types

• Diaries
• Journals
• Plays
• Scrapbooks
• Photographs

Occupations

• Actresses--Rhode Island
• Women dramatists, American

Arrangement

The papers are arranged in six series:

• Series 1. Diaries and journals
• Series 2. Trip journals
• Series 3. Plays
• Series 4. Plays and pageants
• Series 5. Scrapbooks and miscellaneous mixed printed and manuscript material
• Series 6. Photographs

Biographical note

Sarah Elizabeth Minchin Barker (also known as Sally Barker) was an actress and director whose career was highlighted by the work with The Players at the Talma Theatre and the Barker Playhouse Theatre. She was active in dramatic events at Pembroke, where she taught theatre. Her husband, Henry Ames Barker, 1861-1929 (Brown class of 1893) was a guiding influence and a director of the Players. He was the son of Mayor Harry Barker of Providence and active himself in the civic and cultural affairs of the city.

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Use of the materials:	Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation:	Sarah Elizabeth Minchin Barker papers, Ms. 90.4, Brown University Library.
Contact information:	Brown University Library, Special Collections Box A, John Hay Library Brown University Providence, RI 02912 Tel: 401-863-2146 Fax: 401-863-2093 E-mail: hay@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by John Hay Library staff.
Encoding:	Finding aid encoded by Mark Chepkwony 2008 November 06

Additional Information

Related material:	RESOURCES AT BROWN:Related material may be found in the: Henry Ames Barker papers, A89-17
Other information:	Brown University Library catalog record for this collection: Sarah Elizabeth Minchin Barker papers

Inventory

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