Grosvenor Chapman papers
Scope and Contents
Collection contains reports, photographs, audio cassettes, correspondence, legal documents, studies, slides, presentations, testimonies, and hearings related to the work of Grosvenor Chapman during his time as a leader in historic preservation in Washington, DC. Much of Chapman's work was related to transportation projects and their impact on the city especially projects impacting Georgetown. The materials date from 1931-1994 with the bulk falling between 1957-1984.
Please note: Because the series have been created for ease of browsing and not during processing it is possible that a folder, based solely on folder title, could legitimately fall within two or more series. However, physically a folder may only reside in one series. Therefore, please review the entire finding aid to ensure all appropriate data is discovered.
Dates
- 1931-1994
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.
Biographical/Historical note
Grosvenor B. Chapman (1911-1993) was president of the Progressive Citizens Association, president of the Citizens Association of Georgetown and the Georgetown Planning Council and chairman of the Committee of 100. His interests involved planning and preservation in the District, especially in Georgetown. For three decades, Mr. Chapman fought for the preservation of the natural beauty of Potomac Valley gorge by opposing massive freeways, bridges, and high-rise construction in the gorge area and palisades. Chapman helped block the destruction of the historic residential character of Lafayette Square.
Chapman was a partner and founder of the architectural firm Chapman & Miller. He was president of the Washington chapter of the American Institute of Architects and a member of its College Fellows and its Committee on the National Capital.
He was born in Paris to American parents and graduated from Yale School of Fine Arts. His private practice in architecture began in 1940. He served in the Navy during World War II.
Extent
25 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection contains papers documenting the civic and professional activities of the late Grosvenor Chapman including those as a member of the Committee of 100 on the Federal City and as a local architect. The records date from 1931-1994 with the bulk falling between 1957-1984.
Arrangement
Collection remains in original order, but folder titles were alphabetized within the finding aid and eleven series were created for ease of browsing the finding aid. These series include: Commissions and hearings, Financial records, Graphics and specifications, Legal documents, Personal papers, Organizations, People, Publicity, Transportation and zoning, Architectural work of Grosvenor Chapman and Recordings.
Physical Location
Materials are stored off-site, and will require additional retrieval time. Please contact the Special Collections Research Center for more information.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
Gift of Grosvenor Chapman.
- Architecture Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Committee of 100 on the Federal City (Washington, D.C.)
- Georgetown (Washington, D.C.) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Georgetown Waterfront (Washington, D.C.) Subject Source: Lcnaf
- Interstate 66 (Va. and Washington, D.C.) Subject Source: Lcnaf
- Transportation -- Washington Metropolitan Area Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- United States. National Capital Planning Commission
- Urban renewal Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Urban transportation Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Whitehurst Freeway (Washington, D.C.) Subject Source: Lcnaf
Source
- Chapman, Grosvenor (Donor, Person)
- Title
- Preliminary Guide to the Grosvenor Chapman papers, 1931-1994
- Status
- Folder Inventory
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
- Date
- 2012
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Repository
