Guide to the Helen M. Stummer Collection 1981-2003 (bulk 1987-2002) MG 1536

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Descriptive Summary
Biographical Note
Scope and Content Note
Arrangement
Access Points
Administrative Information

Series Descriptions and Container List

Series 1: Photographs and Photocopies of Photographs, 1985-2002

Series 2: Articles, Pamphlets, and Posters, 1981-2003

Series 3: Audiocassette, 2002
Guide to the Helen M. Stummer Collection
1981-2003
(bulk 1987-2002)
MG 1536

The New Jersey Historical Society
52 Park Place
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Contact: NJHS Library
Phone: (973) 596-8500 x249
Email: library@jerseyhistory.org
URL: https://www.jerseyhistory.org
© 2004 All rights reserved.
The New Jersey Historical Society, Publisher
Inventory prepared by Douglas Baldwin.Finding aid encoded by Julia Telonidis. February 2005. Production of the EAD 2002 version of this finding aid was made possible by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Finding aid written in English.

Descriptive Summary
Creator: Helen M. Stummer
Title: Helen M. Stummer
Collection
Dates 1987-2002
Abstract: This collection represents the photography, essays, critiques, and articles detailing the life and work of Helen M. Stummer,
a Newark based photographer of urban neighborhoods and their residents.
Quantity: 0.50 linear feet (24 folders)
Collection Number: MG 1536

Biographical Note

For over twenty-five years Metuchen, N.J. based visual sociologist Helen M. Stummer has been photographing the lives and struggles of the urban poor in Newark, NJ., and the Lower East Side of Manhattan, among other places. Her photographs depict the homes, streetlife, and daily activities of those living in impoverished areas, and many follow the development of city children as they grow up challenged by their environment. Stummer has studied photography extensively, having attended Union County College, The International Center of Photography in Manhattan, and Kean University. She completed a Master of Arts degree program in Visual Sociology from Vermont College. Recently, she authored the book, “No Easy Walk, Newark, 1980-1993”, published by Temple University Press. She has lectured and published extensively and her work has been featured in dozens of photography exhibits. She has received many awards and honors and her work is included in the collections of the Library of Congress among other institutions. She currently teaches photography workshops at the New Jersey Center for the Visual Arts in Summit.

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Scope and Content Note

This collection includes photographs, essays, critiques, and articles which depict the work of Helen M. Stummer, visual sociologist/photographer. The collection contains both photocopies and original prints of Ms. Stummer’s work spanning from 1986-2002. The original prints have been placed in chronological order. The photocopied pictures have been placed in separate folders from original prints. The majority of the collection represents newspaper and journal articles that chronicle the works and exhibits of Ms. Stummer. The articles have been organized in chronological order by year. Included are some critiques of Ms. Stummer’s exhibits, as well as brief biographical pieces about Ms. Stummer. The collection also includes several press releases and a recent fellowship award letter from the NJ State Council on the Arts. The collection also includes an audiocassette.
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Arrangement

This collection is organized into three series:

Series 1: Photographs and Photocopies of Photographs, 1985-2002

Series 2: Articles and Pamphlets, and Posters, 1981-2003

Series 3: Audiocassette, 2002

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Access Points
The entries below represent persons, organizations, topics, forms, and occupations documented in this collection.
Subject Names:
Stummer, Helen M., 1936-
Subject Topics:
African-Americans–New Jersey–Newark.
City & town life–New Jersey–Newark.
Documentary photography–New Jersey–Newark.
Urban poor–New Jersey–Newark.
Subject Places:
Newark (N.J.)
Document Types:
Audiocassettes.
Clippings.
Pamphlets.
Photographs.
Subject Occupations
Photographers.
Sociologists.
Titles:
Stummer, Helen M., 1936-. No easy walk : Newark, 1980-1993.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

This collection should be cited as: Manuscript Group 1536, Helen M. Stummer Collection, The New Jersey Historical Society.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Helen M. Stummer, between 2001 and 2003.

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Series Descriptions and Container List

Series 1: Photographs and Photocopies of Photographs, 1985-2002

Scope and Content:

This series includes actual photographs and high-quality photocopies of photographs and that depict the interior and exterior of urban homes and buildings, and city residents and their activities.
Box Folder Title Date
1 1 Photograph photocopies (35) 1986-1999
1 2 Photograph photocopies (18) and duplicate poorer quality copies 2000-2002
1 3 Photograph entitled “Arnetha Logan – 5 years old” 1985 Nov. 18
1 3 Photograph entitled “Carol’s engagement to Rasheek” 1993 Mar. 3
1 3 Photograph entitled “Gladiators – Boy’s playing in demolition rubble next to 322” 1994 Nov.
1 3 Photograph entitled “322 Abandoned – Irvine Turner Blvd.” 1997 Jan. 1
1 3 Photograph entitled “Demolition of 322 Irving Turner Blvd – Newark” 1998 Feb. 11
1 3 Photograph entitled “Sharell showing her Easter dress to family” 1998 Apr. 11
1 3 Photograph entitled “Rest in Peace Wall Memorial – Hillside Ave., Newark” 1998 Oct. 20
1 3 Photograph entitled “Santoria and her sister Sabrina- 17th St. Newark” 1999 Apr. 6
1 3 Photograph entitled “Making Do – S. 17th St. playground and 16th Ave. 2000 July
1 3 Photograph entitled “Herms – Springfield Ave. – Newark” 2000 Aug. 19
1 3 Photograph entitled “Kalif- Rest in Peace” (artist in front of one of his creations) 2001 Mar. 25
1 3 Photograph entitled “Goddea – Tea time on Good Friday” 2001 Apr. 13
1 4 Statement about “Goddea – Tea time on Good Friday” written by Helen M. Stummer 2001 Apr. 25
1 4 Photograph entitled “Housing that replaced 322 Irvine Turner Blvd.- Newark” 2001 Nov.
1 4 Photograph entitled “Flipping in 307 14th Avenue backyard” 2002 Apr. 4
1 4 Photograph entitled “Newark Olympics I – Child holding onto hoop” 2002 May 5
1 4 Photograph entitled “Newark Olympics I – Child holding onto hoop” 2002 May 5
1 4 Greeting card from Francis and Menshal (with print of Helen Stummer photograph entitled “Backing America” 2002

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Series 2: Articles, Pamphlets, and Posters, 1981-2003

Scope and Content:

This series includes articles from various sources written by and written about Helen Stummer and her work. There are also pamphlets and posters related to Helen M. Stummer’s photography exhibits.
Box Folder Title Date
1 5 Article from The Independent Press (p.17) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1981 Apr. 15
1 5 Article from The Independent Press (p.17) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1981 Nov. 25
1 6 Annual report for the Museum of the City of New York for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 1982 (Helen Stummer cited on age
D)		 1983 Mar.-Apr.
1 6 Article from The Sunday Star Ledger (p.19) about work of Helen M. Stummer 1984 Apr. 24
1 7 Photocopied photo essay from the International Journal of Visual Sociology (pp.35-35) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1985
1 8 Photocopied article from The Sunday Star Ledger (Photography section) about work of Helen M. Stummer 1986 Apr. 27
1 8 Photocopied article from The New York Times (p.2, NJ) regarding work of Helen M. Stummer 1986 Apr. 27
1 8 Photocopied article from Home News (pp. G1, G5) about work of Helen M. Stummer 1986 May 11
1 8 Photocopied article from New Directions for Women (p. 6) about work of Helen M. Stummer 1986 Sept.-Oct.
1 9 Pamphlet for “Imagery of Black America: Personal and Political Statements” exhibit at Robeson Center Gallery (part of Rutgers
University- Newark) containing work of Helen M. Stummer and other photographers/artists		 1987 Feb.-Mar.
1 9 Photocopied article from New Directions for Women (p.13) about work of Helen M. Stummer 1987 May-June
1 9 Photocopied article from Society (vol. 24, #3, pp.83-87) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1987 Mar.-Apr.
1 9 Annual Report for the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation containing advertisement (p.52) of Helen M. Stummer exhibit 1987
1 9 Photocopied article from Visual Sociology Review (vol. 2, #2, pp. 6-9) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1987 Fall
1 10 Pamphlet entitled “No Easy Walk: The Central Ward” by Helen M. Stummer (containing photographs and commentary from her exhibit
for City without Walls) Jan – Feb 1988		 1988 Jan.-Feb.
1 10 Photocopied article from The Jersey Journal (p.14) about Helen M. Stummer exhibit “No Easy Walk: The Central Ward” 1988 Feb 5
1 10 Pamphlet published for Women Artists Series exhibited at Mabel Smith Douglass Library (Rutgers- New Brunswick) featuring work
by Helen M. Stummer and other photographers		 1988 Nov. 21-1989 Jan. 28
1 10 Article regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer (source unknown) 1988
1 11 Photocopied article from Time Off (p.17) regarding work or Helen M. Stummer 1989 Feb.1
1 11 Kean College press release regarding exhibit “No Easy Walk” featuring work of Helen M. Stummer 1988
1 11 Pamphlet for “The Camera as a Conscience” exhibit at the Hunterdon Art Center containing work of Helen M. Stummer and other
photographers		 1989 Oct. 15-Nov. 26
1 12 Insert from Asbury Park Press entitled “Focus New Jersey: Inner Cities of New Jersey” featuring black and white photographs
by Helen M. Stummer (the color photos were taken by Walter Choroszewski).		 1990 Mar. 18
1 12 Photocopied article from The Star Ledger (p. SO-3) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer 1990 Oc.t 4
1 12 Photocopied article from The New York Times (p. 22, NJ) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer 1990 Oct. 7
1 12 Journal entitled, On the Issues, featuring an article (pp.16-22) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1990 Winter
1 13 Photocopied article from New Directions for Women (p. 11) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1991 Jan.-Feb.
1 14 Photocopied article from Findings (vol. 12, pp.49-55) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1992
1 14 Pamphlet entitled “Regional Fellowships 1990-1991: Photography and Sculpture” (pp.16-17) containing information about, and
a reproduced photo by, Helen M. Stummer		 1992
1 15 Photocopied article from The Sunday Star Ledger (p. 27) regarding work of Helen M. Stummer 1993 May 2
1 15 Photocopied article from NY Press (pp. 16-17) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer (2 copies) 1993 Sept. 9-14
1 15 Photocopied article from Primetime (p. 24) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer 1993 Sept. 15
1 15 Journal entitled, On the Issues, featuring an article (pp.25-29) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1993 Fall
1 16 Photocopied article from, Shelterforce, (issue #77, pp.16-19) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer 1994 Sept.-Oct.
1 16 Photocopied article from The News Tribune (p.5) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer 1994 Dec. 21
1 16 Photocopied article from Weekend Plus (p.5) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer 1994 Dec. 28-30
1 17 Photocopied article from The New York Times (p.12) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer 1995 Feb. 26
1 17 Photocopied article from, New Jersey Reporter, (p.36-41) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1995 Mar.-Apr.
1 17 Photocopied article from The New York Times (p.15) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer 1995 Apr. 5
1 17 Photoopied article from City Limits (p.18-21) featuring excerpts and photography by Helen M. Stummer 1995 Apr.
1 17 Photocopied article from Photo Review (vol 18, #2, p.24) regarding work of Helen M. Stummer 1995 Spring
1 17 Photocopied article regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer (source unknown) 1995 May 9
1 17 Photocopied article from The Home News (pp. C1-C2) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer 1995 Jun. 1
1 17 Photocopied article from Feminist Times regarding work of Helen M. Stummer 1995 Summer
1 17 Photocopied article from the Journal of Urban Affairs (vol 17, #4, pp.427-429) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer 1995
1 17 Photocopied article from Visual Sociology (vol. 10, pp. 107-108) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer 1995
1 18 Photocopied article from The New York Times (p. 9) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1996 Jun. 9
1 18 Photocopied article from Compass (p.5) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer – 3 copies 1996 Aug. 8
1 18 Two photocopied articles (two-sided) from The New York Times authored by Helen M. Stummer 1996 Jun. 6-Oct. 27
1 19 Photocopied article from New Jersey Monthly (pp.106-107) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1997 July
1 19 Photocopied article from Sojourner (pp.7-9) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1997 July
1 19 Journal entitled Shelterforce featuring photograph (p. 24) taken by Helen M. Stummer 1997 Sept.-Oct.
1 19 Photocopied article from City Limits (p. 5) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1997 Dec.
1 20 Photocopied article from City Limits (pp.23-27) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1998 Feb.
1 20 Poster for OK Harris Works of Art featuring Helen M. Stummer exhibition 1998 Mar.-Apr.
1 20 County College of Morris student newspaper The Youngtown Edition featuring article regarding work of Helen M. Stummer 1998 Apr. 8
1 20 Photocopied article from Lenswork Quarterly (#21, pp.55-60) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1998 May
1 20 Photocopied article from Transitions Abroad (pp.30-31) authored by Helen M. Stummer 1998 May-Jun.
1 20 Journal entitled Leicaview featuring article (vol. 9, #2, pp.) regarding work of Helen M. Stummer 1998 Fall
1 20 Photocopied article from City Limits authored by Helen M. Stummer – 2 copies 1998
1 21 Photocopied article from The Sunday Star Ledger (pp.1, 13) regarding work of Helen M. Stummer 1999 Feb. 9
1 22 Photocopied article from Antique and the Arts Weekly (p.184) mentioning the work of Helen M. Stummer 2000 Apr. 6
1 22 Journal entitled City Limits featuring an article (pp.18-23) authored by Helen M. Stummer 2000 Jul.-Aug.
1 23 Photocopied article from The Home News Tribune regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer 2001 Apr. 15
1 23 Photocopied article from The New York Times regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer (2 copies) 2001 May 13
1 23 Photocopied article from Professional Women Photographers (p. 10) featuring a brief biography of Helen M. Stummer 2001 Fall
1 23 Advertisement/ Flyer for “City Children and Their Cultures: Get the Lead Out” exhibit at the Newark Public Library, featuring
the work of Helen M. Stummer – 2 copies		 2001 Nov.
1 24 Pamphlet entitled “Fine Arts” featuring work by Helen M. Stummer (p.25) 2002 Jan.-Apr.
1 24 Photocopied article from Review/Herald/Reporter (p.B-1) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer 2002 May 10
1 24 Article (p. D9) from the Home News Tribune regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer 2002 June 20
1 24 Photocopied article from The New York Times regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer – 2 copies 2002 July 14
1 24 Article from Surburban News / Primetime (p.12) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer 2002 Dec. 6
1 25 Fellowship award letter from the State Council on the Arts to Helen M. Stummer 2003 Jan. 26
1 25 Press release concerning the acquisition of 23 photographs, taken by Helen M. Stummer, by the Library of Congress n.d.
1 24 Photocopied article from Framework featuring photographs (pp.22-29) taken by Helen M. Stummer n.d.
1 24 Press release regarding exhibition of work by Helen M. Stummer (source and exhibit unknown) n.d.
1 25 Photocopied article from Tempo regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer n.d.
1 25 Photocopied article from The Star Ledger (pp.1,4) regarding the work of Helen M. Stummer (year unknown) Jan. 30
1 25 Photocopied piece from the Newark Star Ledger about Helen M. Stummer n.d.
1 25 Entire issue of “The Sun”, featuring some photographs by Helen M. Stummer 2004 Aug.

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Series 3: Audiocassette, 2002

Scope and Content:

This series includes a single audiocassete with Helen M. Stummer describing her upbringing and work.
Box Title Date
1 Helen M. Stummer 2002 Sept. 15

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